Radiofrequency denervation of facet joints C2-C6 in cervicogenic headache: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study.
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.
Stovner
L J
LJ
Norwegian National Headache Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Trondheim University Hospital. lars.stovner@medisin.ntnu.no
Kolstad
F
F
Helde
G
G
D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010919:Placebos; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D010919:Placebos