Clinical Research Directory

Lumbar Vein Embolization for Chronic Headaches With Nutcracker Physiology

The purpose of this research is to gather information on the safety and feasibility of coiling the lumbar vein for the treatment of chronic headaches in patients with Nutcracker physiology and retrograde lumbar vein flow with epidural venous plexus congestion. All patients are extensively evaluated by a headache trained Neurologist confirming high pressure headache refractory to other treatments.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality as a Learning Tool for Relaxation Techniques in Reducing Pediatric Migraines and Tension Type Headache

The goal of this interventional study is to assess the efficacy of a therapeutic intervention aimed at diminishing pediatric chronic headache. This intervention is based on the development of relaxation skills, particularly the practice of deep breathing, using virtual reality in conjunction with a biofeedback device. Specifically, it aims to assess the relevance of this tool both in learning relaxation techniques and in changing cognitions involved in pain adjustment, such as self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing. The main hypothesis is that the intervention using virtual reality will lead to greater daily use of the relaxation techniques learned, as well as an increase in the associated self-efficacy, resulting in a reduction in headaches (in terms of frequency and intensity) both immediately after the intervention and two months later. A secondary hypothesis is that this intervention will contribute to a decrease in negative pain perceptions, pain catastrophizing, and functional disability. A tertiary hypothesis is that the intervention will lead to an improvement in the child's quality of life. The effects of this intervention will be compared to those of a similar intervention without the use of virtual reality, as well as to a control condition in which only psychoeducation is provided.

The Impact of Greater Occipital Nerve and Stellate Ganglion Block Treatments on Sleep in Chronic Headache Management

This study aims to evaluate the effect of Greater Occipital Nerve and Stellate Ganglion block treatments on sleep in patients with chronic headaches. Patients will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, and Visual Analog Scale at the time of treatment and at 4 and 8 weeks post-procedure. The study will compare the sleep improvement effects of both treatments to help guide clinicians in selecting the most effective interventional method. Demographic and clinical data will also be collected and analyzed for statistical comparison.