Efficacy of Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Episodic Migraine Treatment and Prophylaxis
The purpose of this study is to see how well blocking two to ten of the scalp nerves (that give feeling to the scalp and are painful during migraine headaches) with bupivacaine anesthetic (numbing medication) and low dose methylprednisolone (cortisone-like medicine or steroid) work for treating and preventing migraines. Our hypothesis is that the pain of most episodic migraine headaches can be eliminated and prevented for months by blocking the nerves that give pain sensation during a migraine.
• Suffering from episodic migraines with and without aura occurring at least four times a month but less than 15 times a month at a severity of 5/10 pain level or greater.
• Willing to not start or stop any new medication to treat or prevent migraines during the six months of the trial.
• History fits the definition of migraine:
‣ Have a history of episodic headache lasting 4-72 hours with at least 2 of the 4 following: unilateral location, pulsating/throbbing quality, moderate-severe intensity, aggravation by/causing avoidance of routine physical activity, and
⁃ Have a history of at least one of the following: nausea and/or vomiting, photophobia (seek out a dark room during a headache because that feels better), phonophobia (seek out a quiet environment during a headache because that feels better)