Actively Recruiting
Clinical Study of Myofascial Trigger Points Injection for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Chronic Migraine, and Cervicogenic Headache
Led by Beijing Tiantan Hospital · Updated on 2026-01-16
1036
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Chronic migraine is a widespread condition in China, especially among older adults, significantly affecting quality of life. This research evaluates and compares two injection treatments: glucocorticoid injections at myofascial trigger points and greater occipital nerve block injections. The study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, and blinded trial designed to see if the trigger point injection is at least as effective as the nerve block for managing chronic migraine over the long term. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives injections of triamcinolone acetonide combined with lidocaine at identified myofascial trigger points using a 25-gauge needle. The other group undergoes ultrasound-guided bilateral greater occipital nerve block injections with triamcinolone acetonide and lidocaine. Treatment is administered as a single bolus per injection site, and patients are followed for two years to monitor outcomes. During the study, patients will be regularly assessed at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after treatment for pain intensity using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), frequency and duration of migraine attacks, Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), and any adverse reactions. Safety and efficacy data will be collected throughout the study, with a focus on 4-week NRS pain scores as the primary outcome. This thorough monitoring helps understand how well each injection approach manages chronic migraine over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Clinical Study of Myofascial Trigger Points(MTrPs) Injection in the Treatment of Chronic Migraine
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with migraine by at least two pain specialists or neurologists
- Disease duration of at least 3 months
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score 3 or higher despite conservative pharmacological treatment
- Signed informed consent form
You will not qualify if you...
- History of allergy to corticosteroids or trial medications
- Alcohol abuse or long-term opioid use exceeding specified durations
- Suspected use of sedative or analgesic medications
- Current long-term steroid therapy
- Severe neurological disorders or significant liver, kidney, heart, or coagulation problems
- Gastric ulcer, diabetes, or inflammatory rheumatic diseases
- Inability to use pain assessment scales
- Presence of local or systemic infection
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single treatment session
Participants receive injections of myofascial trigger points or greater occipital nerve blocks as assigned to reduce chronic migraine pain.
1 treatment visit (in-person)
Duration - 24 weeks
Participants are monitored for pain scores, attack frequency and duration, and overall change after treatment.
Visits at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Beijing Tiantan Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China, 100070
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Fang Luo
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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