Radiofrequency denervation of facet joints C2-C6 in cervicogenic headache: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study.

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.

• 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)

Chemical References

• Placebos

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