Comparison of the Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Greater Occipital Nerve Block and Pulsed Radiofrequency Therapy in Chronic Migraine Patients

Chronic migraine (CM) is related to headache-related disability and reduced quality of life. Therefore, patients with CM require preventive treatment. The aim of this double-blind, comparative-effectiveness study was to compare ultrasound-guided great occipital nerve (GON) block and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) application in CM patients. The study consisted of 2 groups: GON block (group GONB) and GON block + pulsed RF (group GONB+PRF). Each group had 16 patients. Ultrasound-guided GONB was performed to locate the nerve more accurately. With 0.5 Hz sensorial stimulation, a 5-cm-long radiofrequency needle was advanced under ultrasound guidance in both groups. GON block was performed in all patients by administering 5mg bupivacaine through a PRF needle. After the GON block, the PRF neuromodulation was applied at 42 degrees for 4 minutes in the GONB-PRF group. In the GONB group, no pulse was given. The patients were examined for follow-ups at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th months after the procedure. The severity and the number of migraine attacks, and the number of analgesic drugs were noted.