Occipital nerve stimulation in chronic migraine
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective, randomised, open label feasibility trial comparing BurstDR microdosing versus tonic occipital nerve stimulation for patients with refractory chronic migraine.
IRAS ID
321114
Contact name
Manjit Matharu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2024/04/131 , UCL Data Protection Registration Number
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is used as a treatment for chronic migraine which has failed to respond to usual medical treatments. A device is implanted at the back of the head to stimulate the occipital nerves and reduce pain. This study aims to compare two different types of stimulation patterns - one which is percetible to the patient (tonic), and one which is not (BurstDR microdosing) - to see if both are effective at reducing pain. At present, simulation which is percetible to the patient is used in normal practice, however there is some data to suggest the imperceptible stimulation may be at least as effective. If this is the case, then it could be used in a placebo-controlled trial to more accurately assess the efficacy of ONS, as well as being more comfortable for patients to use.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
25/NS/0082
Date of REC Opinion
20 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion