Many patients with chronic headache report that their pain typically arises from the neck or the back of the head. Supplying this area with sensation are the occipital nerves. When irritated or inflamed these nerves may cause pain called “occipital neuralgia.” Occipital neuralgia is a condition that is a distinct type of headache caused by irritation or injury of the occipital nerves. These nerves travel from the base of the skull through the scalp. This condition can result in severe pain and muscle spasms. By blocking these nerves it may be possible to halt the flow of pain signals —at least temporarily—stopping the pain.
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If you suffer from occipital neuralgia and would like additional information on this painful condition, please review our video below. If you are interested in or scheduled for a occipital nerve block, please please review the frequently asked questions below. Additionally, if you have questions or concerns do not hesitate to discuss them with your physician.
Occipital Nerve Block FAQ
Occipital Nerve Blocks are office-based minimally invasive procedures that take approximately ten minutes to perform and are typically done under local anesthesia.
Occipital nerve blocks treat headache pain of various types including migraines.
This procedure is done at bedside using ultrasound or anatomical landmarks on the back of the head near the greater and lesser occipital nerves, and a potent long-lasting anti-inflammatory pain medication (steroid) and local anesthetic is injected directly to the source of the pain decreasing inflammation, and providing pain relief for several months. A local anesthetics may also be used.