Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency for cervicogenic headache: a retrospective study focusing on the C2 dorsal root ganglion at the C1–2 level

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) at the C2 dorsal root ganglion (DRG), specifically at the C1-2 level, for patients with cervicogenic headaches. METHODS: The study involved 29 patients with unilateral symptoms from January to July 2023. Headache intensity was measured using the numerical rating scale (NRS), with scores recorded before and after the procedure at specified intervals extending up to 24 weeks. Additionally, the neck disability index (NDI) scores were assessed at baseline, 4, 12 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated significantly reduced headache NRS scores at all post-treatment checkpoints, with notable pain relief rates of 13.79% and 72.41% at 4 weeks, and 17.24% and 68.97% at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. NDI scores also showed significant reductions at all evaluated post-treatment time points. Importantly, no significant adverse events were observed in any of the individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Our ultrasound-guided approach could be a safe and effective alternative for managing cervicogenic headaches.