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MigrainePhase 4NCT04017741

A Study Investigating the Efficacy of GON Blocks.

A Phase 4 study testing Combined Depo-Medrone and Lidocaine and Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj in people with Migraine and Chronic Migraine, Headache, run by Barts & The London NHS Trust at 1 site in United Kingdom.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Greater occipital nerve block ("GON block") is carried out extensively in the treatment of chronic migraine, but more research is required to understand the effectiveness of the procedure. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 70 years
Conditions the study is for
Migraine, Chronic Migraine, Headache
What is being tested?
Combined Depo-Medrone and Lidocaine and Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
8 participants
Where
1 siteUnited Kingdom
Study dates
14 Feb 2018to 23 Jan 2020
Phase
Phase 4
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 70 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Patients aged over the age of 18 who are able to provide a written consent
  • Ability to read and write English, due to questionnaire use in study
  • Diagnosis of chronic migraine with or without acute relief medication overuse (ICHD-III codes 1.3 and 8.2); as confirmed by diary documentation (headache on 15 or more days a month for at least 3 months)

Who cannot join

  • Patient refusal
  • Participation in any trial of any investigational products or interventional research project within the previous eight weeks to enrolment
  • Patients unable to commit to the six-month study duration (PI judgment)
  • Any known contraindication(s) to the IMPs as described by the manufacturer's Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPCs)
  • Patients with a history of substance abuse
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding patients

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United Kingdom1 site
  • Barts Health NHS Trust

    London, EC1A 4NP

Other trials in United Kingdom

About this study

Official title: A Phase IV Single Blind Placebo-controlled Cross Over Study to Investigate the Efficacy of Greater Occipital Nerve Block With Local Anesthetic and Steroid in Patients With Chronic Migraine

Greater occipital nerve block ("GON block") is carried out extensively in the treatment of chronic migraine, but more research is required to understand the effectiveness of the procedure. It consists of a superficial injection of local anaesthetic and steroid around a nerve at the back of the head that supplies sensation to part of the scalp. This study intends to provide more detailed information on the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of GON block with local anaesthetic and steroid in patients with chronic migraine. It does this by comparing it to a dummy (placebo) procedure (a needle is inserted near the nerve, but no therapeutic substance is injected). It is a "cross-over study": all patients will receive both the GON block and the dummy procedure (not necessarily in that order), with a period in between to assess the response to the first injection. The GON block will entail an injection of 2 mls of 2% lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) and 80 mg of DepoMedrone (a steroid) through a fine needle (a total of 4 mls). The dummy procedure will consist of an injection of 4 mls of normal saline (a solution of common salt and water) through a fine needle. Patients will be followed up at various time points throughout 6 months whilst being enrolled on the study.

Read the detailed description

Chronic migraine is characterised by frequency of headache ≥ 15 days per month for more than 3 months. The location can be unilateral or bilateral. Usually described as pulsating in nature, it may be aggravated by, or cause avoidance of, routine activities of daily living. There can be associated light and noise sensitivity. Greater occipital nerve (GON) blockade with local anaesthetics and steroids has been used as a preventative strategy for a range of headaches including, migraine, cluster headache and hemicrania continua.

The occipital nerves have a sensory distribution in the occipital area. The greater occipital nerve derives most of its fibres from the C2 dorsal root [6]. It passes over the superior nuchal line, mid-way between the mastoid process and the occipital protuberance, just lateral to the insertion of the nuchal ligaments. The lesser occipital nerve passes lateral to the greater occipital nerve, over the nuchal ridge. Although the exact mechanism of action remains unclear, injection of steroid in the vicinity of GON nerve can have both a local effect (decreasing nociception) and a delayed central nociceptive response, possibly through an action on trigeminocervical relay

Although GON block is carried out extensively in the prophylaxis of chronic migraine, the evidence remains equivocal. In the UK, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence have yet to include GON blocks in their guidance and protocols on the treatment of both chronic headache and migraine. This randomised, single-blinded, placebo-controlled multicentre cross-over study intends to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of greater occipital nerve block with local anaesthetic and steroid in patients with chronic migraine with the primary objective to investigate any improvement in disability associated with chronic migraine disorder. We also intend to identify any economic outcomes associated with these injections in the management of chronic migraine.

GON block with local anaesthetic and steroid for chronic migraine and the placebo procedure will be performed in the outpatient setting. They will be carried out only by appropriately qualified members of the research team adhering to strict aseptic conditions and following standard operating protocols with regards to admission and discharge criteria in the outpatient settings.

GON block is routinely carried out in the UK and poses minimal risks to the patient. Although GON block is carried out extensively in prophylaxis of chronic migraine, the evidence remains equivocal. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have yet to include GON blocks in their guidance and protocols on the treatment of both chronic headache and migraine.

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of greater occipital nerve block with local anaesthetic and steroid in patients with chronic migraine of more than three months' duration.

Being tested
Combined Depo-Medrone and Lidocaine, Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj
Keywords
Chronic migraine, GON blocks
Medical subject headings
Migraine Disorders, Headache

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Combined Depo-Medrone and LidocaineDrug

    Also called Methylprednisolone Acetate BP 40mg/mL:, Lidocaine Hydrochloride 2%:

    Patients will be randomised 1:1 to receive the active or placebo arm. The nerve is located along the superior nuchal line, where it bilaterally lies medial to the occipital artery. The scalp is prepped with alcohol and using 23G needle, the IMPs are injected at a 90 degrees angle till the bony endpoint is obtained. A combination of 2 mls of 2% lidocaine and 80mg methylprednisolone will be administered.

    Patients who no longer receive any benefit will be crossed over to the placebo arm.

  • Sodium Chloride 0.9% InjDrug

    Also called normal saline 0.9%

    Patients will be randomised 1:1 to receive the active or placebo arm. The nerve is located along the superior nuchal line, where it bilaterally lies medial to the occipital artery. The scalp is prepped with alcohol and using 23G needle the 4mls of normal saline (0.9%) are injected at a 90 degrees angle till the bony endpoint is obtained. Patients who no longer receive any benefit will be crossed over to the active arm.

Study groups in NCT04017741
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Active groupActive comparatorThe active group will be administered 2 mls of 2% lidocaine and 80mg methylprednisolone.
Receives: Drug: Combined Depo-Medrone and Lidocaine; Drug: Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj
Placebo groupPlacebo comparatorThe placebo group will be administered 4mls of 0.9% saline.
Receives: Drug: Combined Depo-Medrone and Lidocaine; Drug: Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. The changes in disability associated with chronic migraine disorder at baseline

    The average change in HIT-6 scores which measures six patient self-assessment-questions and helps distinguish the impact the effect of headache and its treatment on the patient's functional status and quality of life.

    Measured: Baseline

  2. The changes in baseline headache impact test scores (HIT-6) at 4 weeks

    The average change in HIT-6 scores which measures six patient self-assessment-questions and helps distinguish the impact the effect of headache and its treatment on the patient's functional status and quality of life.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  3. The changes in baseline headache impact test scores (HIT-6) at 8 weeks

    The average change in HIT-6 scores which measures six patient self-assessment-questions and helps distinguish the impact the effect of headache and its treatment on the patient's functional status and quality of life.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  4. The changes in baseline headache impact test scores (HIT-6) at 12 weeks

    The average change in HIT-6 scores which measures six patient self-assessment-questions and helps distinguish the impact the effect of headache and its treatment on the patient's functional status and quality of life.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  5. The changes in baseline headache impact test scores (HIT-6) at 16 weeks

    The average change in HIT-6 scores which measures six patient self-assessment-questions and helps distinguish the impact the effect of headache and its treatment on the patient's functional status and quality of life.

    Measured: 16 weeks

  6. The changes in baseline headache impact test scores (HIT-6) at 20 weeks

    The average change in HIT-6 scores which measures six patient self-assessment-questions and helps distinguish the impact the effect of headache and its treatment on the patient's functional status and quality of life.

    Measured: 20 weeks

  7. The changes in baseline headache impact test scores (HIT-6) at 24 weeks

    The average change in HIT-6 scores which measures six patient self-assessment-questions and helps distinguish the impact the effect of headache and its treatment on the patient's functional status and quality of life.

    Measured: 24 weeks

  8. change in quality of life relating to migraine at baseline

    average change MSQ (Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire) to assess quality of life relating to migraine. MSQ Version 2.1 consists of 14 questions.

    Measured: baseline

  9. change in quality of life relating to migraine from baseline at 4 weeks

    average change MSQ (Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire) to assess quality of life relating to migraine. MSQ Version 2.1 consists of 14 questions.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  10. change in quality of life relating to migraine from baseline at 8 weeks

    average change MSQ (Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire) to assess quality of life relating to migraine. MSQ Version 2.1 consists of 14 questions.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  11. change in quality of life relating to migraine from baseline at 12 weeks

    average change MSQ (Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire) to assess quality of life relating to migraine. MSQ Version 2.1 consists of 14 questions.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  12. change in quality of life relating to migraine from baseline at 16 weeks

    average change MSQ (Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire) to assess quality of life relating to migraine. MSQ Version 2.1 consists of 14 questions.

    Measured: 16 weeks

  13. change in quality of life relating to migraine from baseline at 20 weeks

    average change MSQ (Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire) to assess quality of life relating to migraine. MSQ Version 2.1 consists of 14 questions.

    Measured: 20 weeks

  14. change in quality of life relating to migraine from baseline at 24 weeks

    average change MSQ (Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire) to assess quality of life relating to migraine. MSQ Version 2.1 consists of 14 questions.

    Measured: 24 weeks

  15. change in health related quality of life associated with chronic migraine disorder at baseline

    The changes reported in the short form survey with 12 questions (SF-12), comprised of two scales that provide glimpses into mental and physical functioning and overall health-related-quality of life.

    Measured: baseline

  16. change in health related quality of life associated with chronic migraine disorder from baseline at 4 weeks

    The changes reported in the short form survey with 12 questions (SF-12), comprised of two scales that provide glimpses into mental and physical functioning and overall health-related-quality of life.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  17. change in health related quality of life associated with chronic migraine disorder from baseline at 8 weeks

    The changes reported in the short form survey with 12 questions (SF-12), comprised of two scales that provide glimpses into mental and physical functioning and overall health-related-quality of life.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  18. change in health related quality of life associated with chronic migraine disorder from baseline at 12 weeks

    The changes reported in the short form survey with 12 questions (SF-12), comprised of two scales that provide glimpses into mental and physical functioning and overall health-related-quality of life.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  19. change in health related quality of life associated with chronic migraine disorder from baseline at 16 weeks

    The changes reported in the short form survey with 12 questions (SF-12), comprised of two scales that provide glimpses into mental and physical functioning and overall health-related-quality of life.

    Measured: 16 weeks

  20. change in health related quality of life associated with chronic migraine disorder from baseline at 20 weeks

    The changes reported in the short form survey with 12 questions (SF-12), comprised of two scales that provide glimpses into mental and physical functioning and overall health-related-quality of life.

    Measured: 20 weeks

  21. change in health related quality of life associated with chronic migraine disorder from baseline at 24 weeks

    The changes reported in the short form survey with 12 questions (SF-12), comprised of two scales that provide glimpses into mental and physical functioning and overall health-related-quality of life.

    Measured: 24 weeks

Secondary outcomes (14)
  1. Change in Headache frequency & Severity at baseline

    changes in Frequency and severity as scored in the HIT-6 questionnaire. Total scores can range between 36-78. Scores higher than 60 can indicate more greater impact on patient life.

    Measured: baseline

  2. Change from baseline Headache frequency & Severity at 4 weeks

    changes in Frequency and severity as scored in the HIT-6 questionnaire when compared to baseline. Total scores can range between 36-78. Scores higher than 60 can indicate more greater impact on patient life.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  3. Change from baseline Headache frequency & Severity at 8 weeks

    changes in Frequency and severity as scored in the HIT-6 questionnaire when compared to baseline. Total scores can range between 36-78. Scores higher than 60 can indicate more greater impact on patient life.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  4. Change from baseline Headache frequency & Severity at 12 weeks

    changes in Frequency and severity as scored in the HIT-6 questionnaire when compared to baseline. Total scores can range between 36-78. Scores higher than 60 can indicate more greater impact on patient life.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  5. Change from baseline Headache frequency & Severity at 16 weeks

    changes in Frequency and severity as scored in the HIT-6 questionnaire. Total scores can range between 36-78. Scores higher than 60 can indicate more greater impact on patient life.

    Measured: 16 weeks

  6. Change in Headache frequency & Severity at 20 weeks

    changes in Frequency and severity as scored in the HIT-6 questionnaire when compared to baseline.Total scores can range between 36-78. Scores higher than 60 can indicate more greater impact on patient life.

    Measured: 20 weeks

  7. Change from baseline Headache frequency & Severity at 24 weeks

    changes in Frequency and severity as scored in the HIT-6 questionnaire. Total scores can range between 36-78. Scores higher than 60 can indicate more greater impact on patient life.

    Measured: 24 weeks

  8. Change in anxiety and depression levels at baseline

    Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scores (HADS) questionnaire Each item on the questionnaire is scored from 0-3 and this means that a person can score between 0 and 21 for either anxiety or depression. The higher the score, the more impact the headache has on the patient's life.

    Measured: baseline

  9. Change from baseline anxiety and depression levels at 4 weeks

    Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scores (HADS) questionnaire when compared to baseline. Each item on the questionnaire is scored from 0-3 and this means that a person can score between 0 and 21 for either anxiety or depression. Each item on the questionnaire is scored from 0-3 and this means that a person can score between 0 and 21 for either anxiety or depression. The higher the score, the more impact the headache has on the patient's life.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  10. Change from baseline anxiety and depression levels at 8 weeks

    Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scores (HADS) questionnaire when compared to baseline

    Measured: 8 weeks

  11. Change from baseline anxiety and depression levels at 12 weeks

    Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scores (HADS) questionnaire when compared to baseline. Each item on the questionnaire is scored from 0-3 and this means that a person can score between 0 and 21 for either anxiety or depression. The higher the score, the more impact the headache has on the patient's life.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  12. Change from baseline anxiety and depression levels at 16 weeks

    Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scores (HADS) questionnaire when compared to baseline. Each item on the questionnaire is scored from 0-3 and this means that a person can score between 0 and 21 for either anxiety or depression. The higher the score, the more impact the headache has on the patient's life.

    Measured: 16 weeks

  13. Change from baseline anxiety and depression levels at 20 weeks

    Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scores (HADS) questionnaire when compared to baseline. Each item on the questionnaire is scored from 0-3 and this means that a person can score between 0 and 21 for either anxiety or depression. The higher the score, the more impact the headache has on the patient's life.

    Measured: 20 weeks

  14. Change from baseline anxiety and depression levels at 24 weeks

    Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scores (HADS) questionnaire when compared to baseline. Each item on the questionnaire is scored from 0-3 and this means that a person can score between 0 and 21 for either anxiety or depression. The higher the score, the more impact the headache has on the patient's life.

    Measured: 24 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted12 Jul 2019
  2. Study start14 Feb 2018
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2019
  4. Study completion23 Jan 2020

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 4
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Model description
Consented participants will be individually randomised by the Principal Investigator (PI) in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the GON block (active group) or the placebo injection (control group).
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
8 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04017741
Sponsor's protocol ID
009665 BLT
Status last verified
Nov 2019
First submitted
16 Apr 2019
Last updated
27 Mar 2020
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 4 study testing Combined Depo-Medrone and Lidocaine and Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj in people with Migraine and Chronic Migraine, Headache, run by Barts & The London NHS Trust at 1 site in United Kingdom.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Mar 2020. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

The changes in disability associated with chronic migraine disorder at baseline (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 21 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Mar 2020.

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