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

Cephalalgia. 2004 Oct;24(10):821-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2004.00773.x.

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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervical Vertebrae / physiopathology
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy* / methods
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Headache Disorders / physiopathology
  • Headache Disorders / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Block* / methods
  • Nerve Block* / statistics & numerical data
  • Placebos
  • Statistics, Nonparametric

Substances

  • Placebos