Assessment of the Efficacy of Medrol Dose Pack for Post-Concussive Headaches
Northwell Health
Summary
This novel pilot project will assess the effectiveness of corticosteroids in treatment of acute post-concussion headache. The investigators hypothesize that the use of corticosteroids will cause significant headache reduction in frequency and/or intensity than individuals who undergo the current standard of care. Additionally, the investigators hypothesize that corticosteroid use will lead to a reduction in other somatic symptoms including vestibular symptoms, leading to quicker return to school, work, and/or ability to play sports.
Description
To the best of the investigators' knowledge, this is a novel study. Studies have been previously done on individuals who have suffered an acute TBI and were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) setting but none have been completed on individuals who suffer post-concussion headaches. Despite a high prevalence of post-concussive headache, there are no evidence-based guidelines for acute or preventive pharmacological treatment. Patients who experience very frequent or daily headache post-concussive headache are also at risk of developing medication-overuse headache (MOH)12. In addition, patie…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not specified
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form (in person or via telehealth) 2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study 3. Male or female, aged \>18 years old 4. Ability to take oral medication and be willing to adhere to the study regimen as described in this protocol 5. Patients presenting with all types of post-concussive headache with \>5/10 in severity on the numerical analog scale. 6. Headache that occurs for \> 4 hours per day 7. Headache that occurs every day 8. Headache that began after concussi…
Interventions
- DrugMethylprednisolone
The Methylprednisolone dose pack (Medrol Dose Pack) is pre-packaged with dosing instructions. This dose pack is tapered over 7 days and administration will be the following for all patients: Day 1 (total 24 milligrams (mg)) - 8mg before breakfast, 4mg after lunch and dinner, and 8mg at bedtime Day 2 (total 20mg) - 4mg before breakfast, after lunch and dinner, and 8mg at bedtime Day 3 (total 16mg) - 4mg before breakfast, lunch, dinner, and at bedtime Day 4 (total 12mg) - 4mg before breakfast, after lunch, and at bedtime Day 5 (total 8mg) - 4mg before breakfast and at bedtime Day 6 (total 4mg) - 4mg before breakfast Day 7 (total 0mg) - Completed
Location
- Northwell Health - North Shore University HospitalManhasset, New York