Abstract |
Cervicogenic headache is still a controversial disease entity, and good and reliable treatment is lacking. In the present randomized, sham-controlled, patient- and evaluator-blinded study, 12 patients with a disabling, long-standing and treatment-resistant strictly unilateral cervicogenic headache were included. The diagnosis was based on purely clinical criteria. Six were randomized to receive radiofrequency neurotomy of facet joints C2-C6 ipsilateral to the pain, and six were randomized to sham treatment. Patients were followed for 2 years with diary registration of pain for 14-days periods after 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, and also followed with algometry and neck mobility measurements at 3, 12 and 24 months. Side-effects were minor and short-lasting, and those patients who were treated with neurotomy were somewhat improved at 3 months, but later there were no marked differences between the groups. In conclusion, the procedure is probably not beneficial in cervicogenic headache.
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Authors | L J Stovner, F Kolstad, G Helde |
Journal | Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache
(Cephalalgia)
Vol. 24
Issue 10
Pg. 821-30
(Oct 2004)
ISSN: 0333-1024 [Print] England |
PMID | 15377312
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Cervical Vertebrae
(physiopathology)
- Double-Blind Method
- Electric Stimulation Therapy
(methods, statistics & numerical data)
- Female
- Headache Disorders
(physiopathology, therapy)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Nerve Block
(methods, statistics & numerical data)
- Placebos
- Statistics, Nonparametric
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