Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital Neuralgia Facts and Information

Occipital Neuralgia 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.

Occipital Neuralgia Symptoms

Symptoms of occipital neuralgia include piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like pain. This pain begins in the upper neck and then spreads upward to the back of the head and behind the ears. It usually affects only one side of the head, but it can be felt on both sides. In some cases the scalp becomes hypersensitive. Activities such as brushing or shampooing the hair or lying on a pillow can be painful. The person may experience muscle spasms in the neck and a reduced ability to flex or rotate the neck. The person may also experience extreme sensitivity to light, especially during a headache.

Causes of Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia can be caused by direct trauma to the back of the head or neck. It can be caused by overly tight muscles in the neck, or by compression of the nerve roots. It can develop as a result of osteoarthritis. A localized infection or tissue inflammation, or a tumor or lesion can cause occipital neuralgia. It can be caused by conditions such as gout or diabetes. And finally, it can develop from keeping the head in a downward and forward position for lengthy periods.

Diagnosis

• Thorough clinical evaluation. Complete medical history, analysis of your symptoms, and physical examination.
• Testing may include x-rays, MRI and/or CT scans, and electro-diagnosis (EMG). These advanced diagnostic techniques definitively pinpoint the source of pain.

Occipital Neuralgia Treatment

• Massage, physical therapy and medications designed to reduce inflammation
• Surgery may be performed to decompress the painful nerve root
• Implantation of a nerve stimulator to block painful occipital nerve signals
• Nerve Root Block
• Radiofrequency Ablation
• Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS)

Disclaimer: the content of the Website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. See the full User Agreement here.