Occipital Nerve RF Between Occipital Nerve Block And Occipital Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation

A Comparison of Pain Control AND Quality of Life Improvement Between Occipital Nerve Block And Occipital Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation: A Double-Blind Single Center Prospective Study

This is a randomized, double blind, single-center, clinical trial. The study will be conducted over a period of 6 months. The study will be conducted at the Allevio Pain Clinic, Toronto, Canada.

During the first visit the investigator will assess potential subject's eligibility. Screening and recruitment, and randomization, and administer questionnaires will be performed by research coordinator. Study informed consent form (ICF) can be signed on the RF procedure day. If additional visits will be required to finalize the procedures related to the first visit they will be scheduled accordingly. After randomization the qualified participants will be scheduled for their bilateral Occipital RF or bilateral Occipital Block.

Participants will be asked to complete the follow-up questionnaires at baseline, 3 and 6 months. On their last study visit, participants will have an exit interview, in addition to completing study measures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-90
• Confirmed diagnosis of occipital headaches, patients with concurrent other types of headaches will not be excluded (except undiagnosed headaches)
• Duration of occipital headaches > 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-English speakers;
• Refusal to sign informed consent;
• Allergy to medications which will be used in the study;
• Concurrent undiagnosed headaches
• Current brain tumors
• Current known tumors with known metastasis in other organs
• Occipital blocks within the last 3 months
• Currently receiving treatment with Botox for migraine.
• Patient has RF of occipital nerve/s within the last year