Occipital Neuralgia
What is occipital neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia is characterized by a sharp shooting pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears. This pain is usually only on one side of the head, and is associated with migraine-headaches.
What causes occipital neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia is caused by injury, entrapment, or inflammation of the occipital nerve. This often happens due to a secondary cause such as tumor, trauma, infection, systemic disease, or hemorrhage.
Who is at risk for occipital neuralgia?
- Current or previous neck injury
- Previous surgery to the head or neck
- Congenital or acquired structural defects in the head or neck/spine
- Repetitive stress/strain on the neck
What are the symptoms of occipital neuralgia?
- Aching, burning, throbbing pain that starts in the upper neck or base of the skull and radiates up the scalp, behind the ears
- Sensitivity to light
- Tender scalp
- Increased pain with neck movement
How is occipital neuralgia diagnosed?
- Patient history
- Physical exam
- Imaging: CT, MRI
How is occipital neuralgia treated?
Nonsurgical
Heat, rest, physical therapy, massage, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants
Surgical
- Microvascular decompression: move blood vessels or other source causing compression of nerves
- Occipital nerve stimulation: device used to deliver electrical impulses through implanted lead wires in order to block pain messages to the brain