Question 1

i have occipital neuralgia and medications and nerve blocks have stopped working. i have read about surgical options. what would you recommend i do be?

Accepted Answer

Nerve pain: Occipital neuralgia may at times be secondary to nerve root irritation in the upper cervical spine. For cases that fail to respond to blocks, I have successfully used peripheral nerve stimulation. It is a form of implanted device and can work extremely well.

Question 2

if left untreated, can bilateral occipital neuralgia resolve on its own?

Accepted Answer

It is possible: only if neuralgia is secondary to another condition, it may eventually resolve on its own.

Question 3

is there any advice on how to relief pain from occipital neuralgia related headaches?

Accepted Answer

Headaches: Your neurologist would be your best bet to develop a treatment plan for you.  Acupuncture can be used as an adjunctive treatment.

Question 4

what is occipital neuralgia ?

Accepted Answer

: Two occipital nerves exit the lower neck vertebrae on either side&amp; travel up the back of the scalp. If an occipital nerve becomes pinched,irritated or inflamed, pain in the back of the scalp occurs.  Tense neck muscles can also cause it. It can be sharp or a dull ache. The discomfort is not originating inside the brain. Most cases resolve on their own.

Question 5

what is occipital neuralgia complex?

Accepted Answer

Pain at back of head: Occipital neuralgia is pain from the occipital nerve which is felt along the back of the head, sometimes radiating to the top of the head and sometimes to the forehead- usually on just one side of the head. The occipital nerve is most likely irritated as it passes through the muscles at the back of the head, at the base of the skull. Less commonly, the nerve can be pinched in the upper neck (c2).

Question 6

what are symptoms of occipital neuralgia?

Accepted Answer

Occipital neuraliga: This is a specific cause of pain in the head (sometimes referenced as a headache or improperly as a "migraine") coming from an injured and/or inflamed nerve coming up from the upper neck to the back of the head (one on each side).  It can sometimes go to just behind the ears but usually not past the top of the head.

Question 7

can posture improve occipital neuralgia from smartphone use?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Try to: talk in a comfortable position with your neck not bent at an angle,and see if this helps.

Question 8

what is the definition or description of: occipital neuralgia?

Accepted Answer

Nerve irritation : This condition is an irritation of one or both branches of the occipital after exiting from the base of the skull at right or left suboccipital regions. It is thought to be primarily a consequence of cranial muscle contracture or spasm around the nerve.

Question 9

what are the causes and treatments for occipital neuralgia?

Accepted Answer

Many options: Occipital neuralgia is a condition in which the nerves which run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp, which are called the occipital nerves, are inflamed or injured. This may cause pain in the back of your head or the base of your skull.
Symptoms will improve or disappear with heat, rest &amp;/or physical therapy, including massage, anti-inflammatory medications &amp;
 muscle relaxants.

Question 10

occipital neuralgia: can i get headaches on the top of my head, what to do?

Accepted Answer

Occipital nerve bloc: Occipital neuralgia can result in headaches on top of your head. I would see a pain physician and explore the possibility of getting an occipital nerve block injection with steroids. Another alternative are botox injections in the occipital area. Finally for patients refractory to such injections, occipital nerve decompression performed by a surgeon can be very effective.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Occipital neuralgia medication

A member asked:

I have occipital neuralgia and medications and nerve blocks have stopped working. i have read about surgical options. what would you recommend i do be?

A member asked:

If left untreated, can bilateral occipital neuralgia resolve on its own?

A member asked:

Is there any advice on how to relief pain from occipital neuralgia related headaches?

A member asked:

What is occipital neuralgia ?

A member asked:

What is occipital neuralgia complex?

A member asked:

What are symptoms of occipital neuralgia?

A member asked:

Can posture improve occipital neuralgia from smartphone use?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: occipital neuralgia?

A member asked:

What are the causes and treatments for occipital neuralgia?

A member asked:

Occipital neuralgia: can i get headaches on the top of my head, what to do?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?