Occipital Neuralgia

Treatment for occipital neuralgia often begins with an occipital nerve block. This procedure, in which a doctor injects a medication, anesthetic, or steroid into your occipital nerve, will not only provide you with some relief from the pain, but it will... Full Answer

Occipital neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition. Many individuals improve with therapy involving heat, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants. Recovery is usually complete after the bout of pain has ended and the nerve damage... Full Answer

Occipital neuralgia is a condition that causes severe pain in the back of your head and scalp. It often starts at the top of your neck and moves into the area behind your ears, eyes, and in some cases, forehead. The condition occurs when one or more of... Full Answer

Your risk for occipital neuralgia can increase if you have a head or neck injury. Sleeping with your neck in an awkward position or any other activities that may result in a pinched occipital nerve can also increase your risk. Those with conditions such... Full Answer

Occipital neuralgia is a painful condition that affects the occipital nerves. The condition occurs when one of the nerves becomes damaged or aggravated, which can be caused by a number of factors including injury, muscle tightness, or another condition.... Full Answer

Some cases of occipital neuralgia can be prevented while other cannot. Most factors that cause the condition are unpredictable, such as injury, a tumor, or pressure from a nearby artery. However, for cases of occipital neuralgia caused by tight muscles,... Full Answer

While headaches and pain are both common, the actual condition of occipital neuralgia is not. People may believe their pain is due to the condition, but there are a number of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. If you believe you have... Full Answer

You have a pair of occipital nerves running from the back of your neck to your scalp. When one of these nerves gets damaged or becomes aggravated, it can cause occipital neuralgia. The cause of the condition can be hard to determine, but the following... Full Answer

If a doctor is able to accurately diagnose your occipital neuralgia using an occipital nerve block, they may also be able to permanently fix the problem. There are several procedures that have been developed to deaden your occipital nerve. This will... Full Answer

Medications can treat occipital neuralgia by providing pain relief, helping your muscles relax, and numbing your occipital nerve. When the pain is particularly bad, antidepressants and muscle relaxants may help ease it. Anti-inflammatory medications can... Full Answer