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Doctor insights on:
Tests For Occipital Neuralgia
1
Trigeminal neuralgia lasted only 1 day. can MS or brain tumor cause trigeminal neuralgia to last for 1 day?

Comments: You do NOT have trigeminal neuralgia, unless it recurs, as unfortunately, once it starts, it can be unbearably frequent. Do not think you have MS or a brain tumor if you had just one day of facial pain. But might see a dentist, and check for jaw or tooth issues. ...Read more
See 2 more doctor answersOccipital Neuralgia (Definition)
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 ...Read more
2
What painkillers are helpful for trigeminal neuralgia?

Anticonvulsant drug: Carbamazepine was found to be effective for trigeminal neuralgia and has been the most prescribed medication for management this disorder. A relatively new anticonvulsant, Neurontin, (gabapentin) is now considered a first line drug for trigeminal neuralgia along with carbamazepine. ...Read more
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3
Is gabpintin and Dilantin used for trigeminal neuralgia ?

Sometimes: Both may be used; each has a response rate about 50%. Other primary meds include Carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine, with a response rate of 70%. And, there are many others to try. If pain is not controlled, or side effects are intolerable, a procedure should be considered. ...Read more
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4
Trigeminal neuralgia lasted only 1 day. Can MS or brain tumor cause trigeminal neuralgia to last only 1 day?

Last one day ?: Could you describe what exact was the symptom? Did you experience it continuously for one day ? MS can be cause of trigeminal neuralgia many in young patients... Brain tumor can cause pain the face, but it is usually accompanied by some findings in the neuro exam ...Read more
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5
Any treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia?

Many: Over the counter remedies include zostrex cream-a cayenne pepper extract that will burn your eyes like tear gas. There are a number of medications including Lidoderm patches-a local anesthetic applied to the unbroken skin, a number of different meds of the anti-epileptic class like lyrica, (pregabalin) neurontin; snri antidepressents like Cymbalta and Pamelor work at the spinal cord level, . ...Read more
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6
What is occipital neuralgia complex?
Occipital neuralgia: Occipital neuralgia is a neurological condition in which the occipital nerves (the nerves run from the top of the cervical spine up through the scalp) are inflamed or injured. Occipital neuralgia is characterized by severe pain that begins in the upper neck and back of the head as well as chronic headache. ...Read more
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7
What are non-surgical treatments for trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia: There are a number of medications available that treat TN in addition the Gamma Knife, a radiation source has also been added to the treatment protocols. ...Read more
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8
Is a stellate ganglion block appropriate for postherpetic neuralgia along the trigeminal nerve.

Yes indicated: Herpes zoster ' shingles' after blisters healed in some will have severe disabling pains will lost for months and months which most likely you have involving one of the trigeminal nerve branch, the virus stays in nerve root for ever. Image guided cervicothoracic sym. Ganglion block along with t.N block most likely will help your pain , is relatively low risk procedure in trained hands. ...Read more
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9
Is a stellate ganglion block appropriate treatment for post herpetic neuralgia, along the trigeminal nerve. ?
Possibly: Stellate nerve blocks are often used to treat peripherial nerve problems caused by injuries or trauma. They are designed to block sympathetic nerves. The trigeminal nerve is a cranial nerve, that does not go through the spine or neck, so i don't know if the stellate block would help. The sympathetic nerves do contribute to eyelid motion and facial flushing, so it may be worth a try. ...Read more
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10
Can trigeminal neuralgia be seen in MRI?

Rarely: sometimes you can see a vascular anomaly like an extra loop or an aneurysm causing compression on the CN5 but in most cases mri/mra brain come back normal ...Read more
11
Have trigeminal neuralgia, dr recommend blood test for b12 level is this necessary?
Yes: Low B12 levels can absolutely make neuralgias worse; if corrected, they can improve neuralgias. It is a "rule-out" test, to try and determine the etiology of your trigeminal neuralgia. ...Read more
12
What is another term for trigeminal neuralgia?
Tic douloureux: Trigeminal neuralgia is a more modern term for tic douleureux. ...Read more
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13
Could dental work cause trigeminal neuralgia?

Not usually: Newer leading research indicates that it is an enlarged blood vessel - possibly the superior cerebellar artery - compressing or throbbing against the microvasculature of the trigeminal nerve near its connection with the pons. Such a compression can injure the nerve's protective myelin sheath and cause erratic and hyperactive functioning of the nerve. ...Read more
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14
Can Supraorbital Neuralgia affect the sinus area? Dr suspects SN. A dull ache right above the right eyebrow. No migraines. MRI brain scan clean.

The frontal sinuses: behind the eyebrows so it is possible. Make sure you are not getting referred pain patterns that could originate in the neck by the atlas (C1) as often it does refer to eyebrow pain. Get a second opinion from an osteopathic doctor too to correlate the findings. The osteopathic adjustment can help clear sinuses, and referred pain. Anything residual will be some other diagnosis that warrants workup. ...Read more
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15
What are some specific, detailed stretching exercises for occipital neuralgia?

Discuss: With your eye doc or neurologist.
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16
I got infraorbital neuralgia, Brain MRI=good, CT scan = chronic maxillary sinus issue on side of the neuralgia. Could there be a relation?

Yes: Yes. Strong chance of relationship. See ENT doc with special expertise in sinus problems for management of chronic sinusitis. Resolve chronic sinusitis and see what happens to infraorbital pain. "Burning" pain is difficult to treat. If no resolution, see orofacial-TMJ doc. ...Read more
17
How is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed?
Clinical exam: Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition where sharp, electrical pain affects the face along one or more of the three branches of the trigeminal nerve. There is typical and atypical types of trigeminal neuralgia. Your neurosurgeon or neurologist should be able to examine you and make a diagnosis. Brain MRI scans are usually done to make sure there are no tumors or ms. ...Read more
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18
Is citalopram a good treatment for trigeminal neuralgia?
No: Citalopram is ineffective for trigeminal neuralgia.
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19
What are the tests for temporal arteritis?

ESR and clinical: Sedimentation rate and clinical judgement.
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20
How successful have surgeries been for occipital neuralgia?

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. ...Read more
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21
What is occipital neuralgia complex?
Occipital neuralgia: Occipital neuralgia is a neurological condition in which the occipital nerves (the nerves run from the top of the cervical spine up through the scalp) are inflamed or injured. Occipital neuralgia is characterized by severe pain that begins in the upper neck and back of the head as well as chronic headache. ...Read more
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22
What are symptoms of occipital neuralgia?
Sharp pain in back: of head at base of neck to scalp and can radaite to behind the eyes, cause unknown but trauma, tight muscles stress, lack of sleep or food bets is to get mri of head to be sure no tumor, then take excedrin , next try gabapentin[antiseizure meds] ice pack and or heat , rolled towel behind neck , let head fall back over towel to ease tension , osteopathic or massage therapy, physical therapy ...Read more
23
Can posture improve occipital neuralgia from smartphone use?

Possibly. Try to: talk in a comfortable position with your neck not bent at an angle,and see if this helps. ...Read more
24
What is the definition or description of: occipital neuralgia?
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. ...Read more
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25
If left untreated, can bilateral occipital neuralgia resolve on its own?
It is possible: only if neuralgia is secondary to another condition, it may eventually resolve on its own. ...Read more
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26
What are some specific, detailed stretching exercises for occipital neuralgia?
Discuss: With your eye doc or neurologist.
Get a more detailed answer ›
27
What are the causes and treatments for occipital neuralgia?
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 &/or physical therapy, including massage, anti-inflammatory medications &
muscle relaxants.
...Read more
28
What pain/symptoms does occipital neuralgia cause?

Typical: Unilateral occipital head pain, usually of a burning or electrical nature, associated with a pain trigger at base of skull behind mastoid bone, and perhaps local numbness over the distribution of the Greater Occipital Nerve of Arnold. Would further discussion via Concierge visit provide assistance? ...Read more
29
How successful have surgeries been for occipital neuralgia?
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. ...Read more
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30
Is there any advice on how to relief pain from occipital neuralgia related headaches?

Headaches: Your neurologist would be your best bet to develop a treatment plan for you. Acupuncture can be used as an adjunctive treatment. ...Read more
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31
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?

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. ...Read more
32
What type of infection causes Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital pain:
Occipital neuralgia is usually mechanical /pressure. Rarely inflammatory - autoimmune disease or infection like early shingles ( rarely respiratory) could cause occipital neuralgia . For shingles acyclovir/ prednisone may help. MRI C spine/brain checks for pressure/ autoimmun f/u w/ MD
https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Occipital-Neuralgia
...Read more
33
Can a TENS unit be bellful to Occipital Neuralgia pain?

Any NERVE:
mediated pain may respond to TENS however Occipital Neuralgia more often responds to interventional injections (steroids/BOTOX)
Hope this is helpful!
Dr Z
...Read more
34
Are there any successful treatments for occipital neuralgia complex?
Many: Medication & therapy are the joint "first line" treatments, as they are with other nerve compression syndromes (like carpal tunnel). However, as the disease progresses, surgical nerve decompression becomes necessary to treat the disease. ...Read more
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35
What do I do for chronic pain for spondylosis & occipital neuralgia...

Pain management : You should see a pain management specialist. He can recommend you a range of options including desensitization, PT, neuropathic pain meds, blocks, radio frequency, stimulator ...Read more
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36
If I have occipital neuralgia, can I get headaches on the top of my head?

Definitely, yes: Occipital neuralgia involves the greater and lesser occipital nerves located in the back of the scalp and can produce neck pain as well as headache with radiated pain to the top of the head and behind the eye. ...Read more
37
Occipital neuralgia: can I get headaches on the top of my head, what to do?

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. ...Read more
38
How far up on the head does occipital neuralgia pain go? Does it cause needle like pains in head?
All,of it: The occipital nerves supply sensation to,the skull. Is the greater occipital Nerves are irritated, pain can be experienced over the top and into the eye. Lesser occipitals cause pain in the shape,of a banana over the top,of the ears and sides of,the skull. There are good treatments for this. See your local,pain Doctor. ...Read more
39
Hit head 5 months ago hard on the corner of a locker. Was diagnosed with occipital neuralgia. I just barely hit my head again. Am I OK? Slight HA

Sounds ok: "Barely hit my head" sounds minor enough that nothing should become of it. As they say, "Don't sweat the small stuff," but do worry if one gets a giant smack on the head. ...Read more
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40
If I have occipital neuralgia can that be related to the 2 opthalmic aneurysms i have?
No: Both cause pain, but have different origins. The occipital neuralgia is an irritated nerve pinched by a muscle spasm. The aneurysm is a bulging out of a blood vessel wall. You can treat occipital neuralgia with massage and ice. The aneurysm will need an interventional radiologist. ...Read more
See 2 more doctor answersNeuralgia (Definition)
Can also be described as neuropathic pain or "nerve pain" which can occur anywhere in the body. It can also be due to many disorders such as direct nerve damage, diabetes, ...Read more
Nerve Pain (Definition)
Neuralgia is a sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or ...Read more
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