Actively Recruiting
Office-Based Superior Laryngeal Nerve (SLN) Block for Treatment of Neurogenic Cough
Led by University of Alabama at Birmingham · Updated on 2026-05-08
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating an office-based injection called a superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block to see if it can reduce cough frequency and ease symptoms in people with neurogenic cough, a chronic cough thought to be caused by irritation of a nerve related to the voice box. This cough type often follows an upper respiratory infection and current treatments include oral medications that can cause sedation and other side effects. The study aims to expand on earlier findings by using more methods to assess the severity of cough symptoms in a larger group of patients. Participants will receive a unilateral injection of a mixture of a local anesthetic (bupivacaine) and steroid (Kenalog-40) near the superior laryngeal nerve on the side showing the most discomfort or cough sensitivity. If no side is specifically affected, the injection will be done on the right side. This procedure is done in an office setting and is being studied as an alternative to oral medications for chronic cough management. During the study, participants' cough symptoms will be measured using the Leicester Cough Questionnaire at the start and again after three months to assess changes. Patients will be monitored for symptom changes and any side effects from the injection. The total participation duration includes at least three months of follow-up to evaluate the treatment impact and safety. The study is sponsored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and aims to better understand this nerve block's role in treating neurogenic cough.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Office-Based Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block for Treatment of Neurogenic Cough
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Ability to speak and understand English
- Ability to consent for themselves
- Chronic cough lasting 8 weeks or longer with suspected nerve-related cause
- Persistent cough despite treatment of reflux, asthma, and allergic causes
- Stable dose of neuromodulator medications if already in use
You will not qualify if you...
- Age less than 18 years
- Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
- Known cough causes other than sensory neuropathy such as reflux disease, asthma, allergic rhinitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Starting new neuromodulator medication at the time of injection
- Nissen fundoplication surgery within the last year
- Smoking history within the last 5 years
- Allergy to bupivacaine or Kenalog-40
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 visit
Participants receive a superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block injection to treat neurogenic cough.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 months
Participants are monitored for changes in cough symptoms over 3 months after treatment.
Follow-up visits during the 3 months as scheduled by the study team
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35233
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Blake Simpson, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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