Effectiveness of Carotid Sinus Massage with Modified Trendelenburg Position for Acute Headache Relief

What this Trial Is About

Headaches, including migraines and tension-type headaches, can greatly affect quality of life. Research suggests that blood pressure control and baroreceptor function may influence headache symptoms. An initial open-label pilot study with 17 participants showed that carotid sinus massage combined with the modified Trendelenburg position was feasible and safe, prompting a follow-up randomized trial to further study this treatment's effects. In the randomized phase, participants will be divided into two groups. One group will receive carotid sinus massage while lying in a 10-15° head-down Trendelenburg position, with massages lasting about 5 seconds and repeated up to three times at one-minute intervals. The control group will receive a sham massage that lightly touches the neck away from the carotid sinus but mimics the timing and positioning of the treatment group. Participants who do not experience relief after the sham will be offered rescue therapy, including the real treatment or medication as appropriate. Participants will have their headache pain intensity, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels measured before and 15 minutes after the intervention. Researchers will also track the rate of complete pain relief at 15 minutes, headache recurrence within 24 hours, and any adverse events up to 24 hours after treatment. The study plans to enroll 18 participants and will monitor outcomes closely to assess the treatment's potential benefits and safety.

Carotid Sinus Massage in Trendelenburg Position for Headache Relief