A Novel Neuromodulation Method for Childhood Migraine: Comparing Noninvasive Pulsed Radiofrequency Therapy With Calcium Channel Blockers, a Randomized Controlled Trial

IF 2.1 3区医学 Q2 CLINICAL NEUROLOGY

Pediatric neurology Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2025-12-29 DOI:10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2025.12.011

Canan Üstün MD , Gevher Rabia Genç Perdecioğlu MD , Ömer Taylan Akkaya MD , Deniz Yüksel MD

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of noninvasive pulsed radiofrequency (NiPRF) therapy for childhood migraine and compared its outcomes with calcium channel blockers (CCBs).

Methods

A randomized controlled trial included 60 pediatric migraine patients (7-18 years). Patients were randomized into two groups: the CCB group (n = 30), receiving 5 mg flunarizine daily for 3 months, and the NiPRF group (n = 30), undergoing three weekly sessions of transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency to the greater occipital nerve. Headache severity and frequency were recorded using a headache diary, and migraine-related disability was assessed with the Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment score at baseline, one month, and 3 months. Two patients in the CCB group were excluded due to elevated transaminase levels and one in the NiPRF group for incomplete sessions, leaving 57 patients for analysis.

Results

Both treatments significantly reduced headache frequency and headache severity from baseline at 1 and 3 months. At one month, there was no significant difference between groups. However, at 3 months, the CCB group showed greater headache frequency reduction. Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment scores improved in both groups, with a greater reduction in the CCB group at 3 months. Two CCB patients experienced transient liver enzyme elevation, while no significant side effects were observed in the NiPRF group.

Conclusions

NiPRF is a safe and effective treatment for childhood migraine, with comparable short-term efficacy to CCBs. Its noninvasive nature and minimal side effects make it a promising alternative. Further studies should assess long-term efficacy and optimize protocols.

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儿童偏头痛的一种新的神经调节方法：比较无创脉冲射频治疗与钙通道阻滞剂，一项随机对照试验

本研究评估了非侵入性脉冲射频（NiPRF）治疗儿童偏头痛的有效性和安全性，并将其与钙通道阻滞剂（CCBs）的疗效进行了比较。方法对60例7 ~ 18岁儿童偏头痛患者进行随机对照试验。患者被随机分为两组：CCB组（n = 30），每天接受5 mg氟桂利嗪治疗，持续3个月；NiPRF组（n = 30），每周接受3次经皮脉冲射频治疗枕大神经。使用头痛日记记录头痛的严重程度和频率，并在基线、1个月和3个月时使用儿科偏头痛残疾评估评分评估偏头痛相关残疾。CCB组2例患者因转氨酶水平升高而被排除，NiPRF组1例患者因疗程不完整而被排除，留下57例患者进行分析。结果两种治疗方法在1个月和3个月时均显著降低头痛频率和头痛严重程度。1个月时，两组间无显著差异。然而，在3个月时，CCB组显示出更大的头痛频率减少。两组儿童偏头痛残疾评估得分均有改善，CCB组在3个月时得分下降更大。2例CCB患者出现短暂性肝酶升高，而NiPRF组未观察到明显的副作用。结论sniprf治疗儿童偏头痛安全有效，短期疗效与CCBs相当。它的非侵入性和最小的副作用使它成为一个很有前途的选择。进一步的研究应评估长期疗效并优化方案。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Pediatric neurology 医学-临床神经学

CiteScore

4.80

自引率

2.60%

发文量

176

审稿时长

78 days

期刊介绍： Pediatric Neurology publishes timely peer-reviewed clinical and research articles covering all aspects of the developing nervous system. Pediatric Neurology features up-to-the-minute publication of the latest advances in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pediatric neurologic disorders. The journal''s editor, E. Steve Roach, in conjunction with the team of Associate Editors, heads an internationally recognized editorial board, ensuring the most authoritative and extensive coverage of the field. Among the topics covered are: epilepsy, mitochondrial diseases, congenital malformations, chromosomopathies, peripheral neuropathies, perinatal and childhood stroke, cerebral palsy, as well as other diseases affecting the developing nervous system.