Occipital Neuralgia: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Occipital neuralgia is a condition of severe headache disorder, in which the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp, become inflamed or injured.

Signs may include:

  • Severe headache disorder
  • Caused by inflammation or injury to occipital nerves
  • Symptoms: pain in back of head, behind ear, or base of skull
  • Important to consult doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment

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Causes of Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia occurs

  • Nerve irritation in the head
  • Causes: Injury, muscle tightness, inflammation
  • Source often hard for doctors to identify

It has been linked to a number of medical conditions, including::


Diagnosis of Occipital Neuralgia

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history as well as injuries in the past.

  • Physical tests: Firm pressure applied to back of head to replicate pain
  • Nerve block administered to numb nerve for relief assessment
  • Blood tests or MRI scan for unusual cases
  • Accurate diagnosis crucial for effective treatment

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Treatments for Occipital Neuralgia

The first thing you'll want to do is to decrease pain and discomfort. For that, you can try the below things.

  • Apply heat compression to the back of your neck.
  • Rest in a quiet place.
  • Massage the muscles in your neck that are tight and painful.
  • Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen or ibuprofen.

Muscle relaxants:

The doctor suggests some occipital neuralgia medication or Anti-seizure medications like carbamazepine and gabapentin.

**Note - Take this medicine only when it is prescribed by a doctor.

Antidepressants, nerve blocks and steroid injections:

  • Nerve block for diagnosis & short-term relief
  • Usually 2-3 shots over weeks
  • Recurrence may require more injections

A surgery:

An operation is uncommon, but it may be an option if your pain does not improve or returns despite other treatments. Surgical procedures may include:

Decompression of the microvasculature:

Your doctor may be able to alleviate your pain by locating and adjusting blood vessels that are compressing your nerves.

Stimulation of the occipital nerve:

To deliver electrical pulses to your occipital nerves, your doctor employs a device known as a neurostimulator. They can aid in the blocking of pain messages to the brain.


Conclusion

Occipital neuralgia is not life-threatening and can be managed with rest and pain medication. If pain persists, consult your doctor to explore other potential causes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What triggers occipital neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia can occur any time, when sudden pressure is made on the neck or head, it can trigger pain.

2. How can we treat occipital neuralgia?

The treatment options are -

  • Chiropractic care
  • Massage therapy
  • Prescribed drugs
  • Injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Home remedies
  • Surgery

3. Is occipital neuralgia a permanent condition?

It’s not a permanent condition, it usually goes away in 1 to 2 months. But in a few cases, it can stay for more than a year.

4. What happens if occipital neuralgia is left untreated?

If not treated on time, occipital neuralgia complications can prove to be fatal. By following a proper health treatment plan it is possible to avoid major health problems.

5. What is occipital neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is a condition where the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp, become inflamed or injured, causing intense headaches and pain at the back of the head or neck.

6. Can occipital neuralgia cause dizziness?

Yes, occipital neuralgia can sometimes cause dizziness. The inflammation or irritation of the occipital nerves can lead to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or visual disturbances.

7. Does occipital neuralgia go away?

Occipital neuralgia may go away on its own, especially if it is caused by a temporary irritation or inflammation. However, chronic cases may require treatment such as medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, or in severe cases, surgery.

8. How to cure occipital neuralgia?

Treatment for occipital neuralgia includes medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and anticonvulsants. Physical therapy, nerve blocks, and lifestyle changes can also help manage symptoms. In severe cases, surgical options may be considered.

9. What is the difference between occipital neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia affects the occipital nerves at the back of the head, causing pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears. Trigeminal neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve in the face, causing sharp, shooting facial pain. Both conditions involve nerve pain but affect different areas and nerves.

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