Two radiofrequency methods for hard-to-treat chronic migraine

Plain-English translation of NCT07500558 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing two different methods of using radiofrequency energy to treat chronic migraines that haven't responded to preventive medications. Researchers will compare a standard-strength radiofrequency treatment with a higher-strength version, both delivered using ultrasound guidance to target a specific nerve cluster called the sphenopalatine ganglion. The goal is to see which approach works better at reducing migraine pain and frequency.

Chronic migraines can be severely disabling, and many people do not get meaningful relief from standard preventive medications. This treatment offers an alternative approach for patients with refractory migraines — targeting a specific nerve structure that plays a role in migraine pain — and researchers want to determine if using higher energy levels can improve the results.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with chronic migraine (at least 15 headache days per month, including at least 8 migraine days per month, for more than 3 months)
you have tried at least two different classes of preventive migraine medications at standard doses for at least 8 weeks each without getting at least 50% improvement
your current migraine medications have remained stable for at least 4 weeks before starting the trial
you are willing to keep a daily headache diary throughout the study
you had a positive response (at least 50% pain relief) to a diagnostic nerve block test using lidocaine before enrollment

You likely don't qualify if…

you are overusing pain relief or migraine medications (such as taking pain relievers more than 15 days per month)
you have a different type of headache condition, such as cluster headache or chronic tension headache
you have had any prior radiofrequency or nerve-blocking procedures on this nerve cluster within the last 6 months
you have untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of stroke, or other serious heart and blood vessel conditions
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have recently started, stopped, or changed hormonal birth control

What participation looks like

If you qualify and enroll, you will receive one radiofrequency treatment session targeting your sphenopalatine ganglion nerve using ultrasound guidance — either the standard-strength version or the higher-strength version, randomly assigned. The procedure is performed under anesthesia. After treatment, you will be asked to track your migraines daily and attend follow-up visits so researchers can measure how much your pain and migraine frequency improve over time.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 19, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

Egypt

Minia university raouf, Minya

Minia university, Minya