It's not at all always simple to diagnose occipital neuralgia, as it could possibly share symptoms with other types of headache, including migraine.

Headaches at the back of The top might have a amount of various causes; it'd only be resulting from a minor injuries or it might be a secondary symptom of other issues in the human body. The type and location on the pain can Participate in a crucial position in diagnosing the cause of headaches.

When you’re feeling anxious about acquiring an occipital nerve block injection, don’t wait to ask your healthcare company over it along with the procedure. They're able to remedy any questions you will have.

Muscle mass spasm of the Trapezius Muscle mass is often seen. It's really a normal reaction into the dress in and tear in the bone frame from the backbone. When this takes place, the compact nerves that should feed in the Occipital nerve can have some stress all around them that can translate into pain. These symptoms frequently affect each side of your neck/head.

Form III occipital condyle fracture, unspecified side, subsequent face for fracture with regime healing

“Nerves could become entrapped resulting from muscle spasms or head or neck trauma, for example whiplash,” suggests pain management specialist Shrif Costandi, MD. “In some cases we don’t understand what causes it.”

Remaining Lively and documenting symptoms can help you, along with your treatment staff, stay on top of this Continual affliction

Nerve block. “When the pain disappears after we numb the occipital nerve, then we are able to be assured that occipital neuralgia is leading to the headache,” Dr. Costandi claims.

“A standard cause is cervical arthritis. Having said that, secondary causes similar to a tumor or an infection can Enjoy a role, depending on the medical circumstance,” Dr. Strachan explains. “Owning neck pain and headache isn't going to immediately necessarily mean you might have cervicogenic headache.”

• Evaluation of your neck, being attentive to the movements of The top and also to the way the pain behaved when The top is moved.

Some doctors accomplish a nerve block utilizing a regional anesthetic to discover if this may remove or minimize the pain, supporting to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays from the neck, CT scan, or MRI scan may be purchased if there is a concern that some fundamental issue is causing the symptoms.

Occipital nerve blocks are frequently Risk-free, and complications are scarce. But feasible pitfalls or problems involve:

In uncommon scenarios, your health practitioner might propose surgical procedure to lessen pressure within the impacted nerves, ปวดหัวท้ายทอย particularly when the pressure is caused by an underlying issue which include rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

It's important to notice that an occipital nerve block won't heal ON. Alternatively, it acts as A brief avoidance tool. People who reply to the nerve block might have to have numerous nerve blocks a yr to continue to gain from it.