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Final Program


Final Program

985 - Radiofrequency ablation for cervicogenic headaches

Friday, February 28, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM MST

    Presenting Author(s)

  • MC

    Matthew E. Chen, BA

    Medical Student
    Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
    Cleveland Heights, Ohio, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • NE

    Nafis B. Eghrari, BS

    Medical Student
    Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
    Cleveland, Ohio, United States

    • Corresponding Author(s)

  • Chong Kim, MD

    Professor
    MetroHealth/ Case Western Reserve University
    Cleveland, Ohio, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • SK

    Sajal Kulhari, BA

    Medical Student
    Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
    Cleveland, Ohio, United States

  • NG

    Nikhil Grandhi, DO

    Resident Physician
    MetroHealth Hospital System
    Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Objectives: Cervicogenic headaches are a chronic condition that affects up to 4% of the adult population. While initial treatments often involve non-invasive methods, some patients require more advanced interventions. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the upper cervical medial branch nerves has been a treatment option in refractory cases, typically performed unilaterally. However, with recent insurance coverage changes, bilateral RFA of cervical medial branch nerves may be more advantage for optimal patient care. This project evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of bilateral C2,3,4 medial branch RFA in patients with refractory cervicogenic headaches.

Design: This case series included 13 consecutive patients (10 females and 3 males; age range 30-80 years) diagnosed with cervicogenic headaches resistant to non-invasive treatments. All patients met the inclusion criteria of at least 80% pain relief after two consecutive diagnostic medial branch blocks before the bilateral RFA.

Results:

Patients reported an average pain relief of 73% following bilateral RFA. Duration of relief averaged of 9.5 months with a range from 6 to 18 months. Four patients experienced immediate, short-lived, side effect of lightheadedness, that lasted between 5 and 10 minutes. All patients experienced at least 50% pain reduction for a minimum of 6 months post-procedure. 

Conclusions:

Bilateral C2,3,4 RFA may be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with refractory cervicogenic headaches.