Actively Recruiting
Efficacy of Nerve Blocks for Episodic Migraine
Led by Mayo Clinic · Updated on 2026-03-06
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
207 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The purpose of this study is to see how well blocking two to ten of the scalp nerves (that give feeling to the scalp and are painful during migraine headaches) with bupivacaine anesthetic (numbing medication) and low dose methylprednisolone (cortisone-like medicine or steroid) work for treating and preventing migraines. Our hypothesis is that the pain of most episodic migraine headaches can be eliminated and prevented for months by blocking the nerves that give pain sensation during a migraine.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Efficacy of Nerve Blocks for Episodic Migraine
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Episodic migraines with and without aura occurring at least four times a month but less than 15 times a month
- Migraine pain severity of 5/10 or greater
- Willingness to not start or stop any new migraine treatment medications during the six-month trial
- History of episodic headaches lasting 4 to 72 hours with at least two of the following: unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate to severe intensity, or worsened by routine physical activity
- History of nausea and/or vomiting or sensitivity to light or sound during headaches
You will not qualify if you...
- Headaches involving pain in the cheeks (infraorbital nerve distribution)
- Women currently pregnant, lactating, of childbearing potential, or likely to become pregnant during the medication phase without reliable contraception
- Allergy or contraindication to amide anesthetics or corticosteroids
- Previous receipt of peripheral nerve blocks
- Current use of anticoagulants
- Current Botox treatment for migraine prevention
- New migraine-preventive medication started within two months prior or planned during the study
- Use of opiate medications for pain
- History of drug or alcohol abuse within two years
- Unstable medical or surgical conditions affecting participation
- History of craniotomies, skull fractures, or open skull defects
- Presence of implanted nerve stimulators or shunts
- Phobia of needles
- Active skin or soft tissue infection at injection sites
- Diagnosis of medication overuse, cervicogenic, post-traumatic, or cluster headaches or history of cluster headache symptoms
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota, United States, 55905
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Family Medicine Research Study Coordinators
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here