Headache after concussion? nerve block study halted early
NCT ID NCT03007420
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether injecting numbing medication and steroids near nerves in the neck or back of the head could relieve post-traumatic headaches after a concussion or head injury. The trial planned to enroll 16 people aged 14 to 45, but was terminated early, so we don't have clear answers. The approach aims to ease pain when standard treatments like rest or medication haven't helped.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Occipital nerve block or cervical medial branch block using lidocaine and dexamethasone
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could offer a new treatment option for post-traumatic headaches that don't respond to standard care.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was terminated early with only 16 participants, so results are very limited. It is unclear if the nerve blocks are effective or safe long-term.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
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16 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2018
- Finished
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Jun 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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14 to 45 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 14 - 45 years * History of post-traumatic headache or neck pain following a concussion or head injury within the last 12 months * Self-reported lack of meaningful benefit with at least one previous treatment trial. Previous treatment could include a migraine prophylactic medication, a neuropathic pain medication, a physical intervention, or a cognitive-behavioral intervention. Exclusion Criteria: * Significant underlying psychological concerns, as determined by study psychologist up on review of standardized assessment * Lack of parental consent and child assent (if patient age \<18 years) or lack of consent (if patient age \>18 years). Unable to complete the questionnaire, based on parental or patient estimation of cognitive or language limitations
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States