How successful have surgeries been for occipital neuralgia?

Nerve injections: A good pain specialist can identify a specific spot on the back of the scalp that triggers the pain. Injection of nerve calming agents can stop the pain. If they recur, more permanent suppression can be done with injections as well. Surgery is usually not necessary.

Very: Surgery (nerve decompression) has a success rate of around 85% for occipital neuralgia - "success" being a 50% or greater reduction in symptoms/pain. For patients with on from either trauma - whiplash, concussions, etc - or who develop it without prior injury, it's a very attractive, permanent treatment option.

Highly: I perform this procedure. In my experience, greater occipital nerve decompression is highly effective. Over 95% of patients who I have performed this surgery have complete relief of symptoms, and it is immediate. Occipital neuralgia is very debilitating and commonly a cause of migraine headaches. In reality it is a nerve compression of the greater ; lesser occipital nerves. Nerves cause pain.