Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia is a type of intense headache. It occurs when the nerves that go from the top of your spine to your scalp (called the occipital nerves) are pinched or injured. This sends pain from the upper part of the neck to the back of the head and the scalp. This pain may be:
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Sharp, shooting pain or aching, throbbing pain
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On 1 or both sides of the head
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Behind an eye
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Triggered by simple movement
The pain may happen suddenly, caused by a pinched nerve in your neck or by an injury. Or it may be linked to an underlying condition. Sometimes the exact cause isn’t known.
Occipital neuralgia can be hard to diagnose, as some symptoms are the same as migraines and other types of headaches. There isn’t one particular test that can be used for diagnosis. A physical and neurological exam will be done. Imaging tests may also be done, such as an MRI or CT scan. In some cases, a diagnosis may be made if the pain is relieved by an injection of a local anesthetic and a steroid (called an occipital nerve block).
Many people feel better after home treatment, which focuses on easing pain. In some cases, surgery is needed to reduce pressure on the occipital nerves.
Home care
Here’s how to ease your pain at home:
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Rest. Being in a quiet room may help.
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Heat therapy. Using a heating pad or a warm compress on the area that hurts can help reduce muscle tightness and ease pain.
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Massage. Gently massaging the base of your skull can help to ease tight neck muscles.
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Physical therapy. A physical therapist can show you exercises and stretches to strengthen the back and neck muscles.
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Medicines. Your healthcare provider may advise you to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines.
Other treatments may include:
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Prescription medicines. Your healthcare provider may prescribe muscle relaxers, antidepressants, or antiseizure medicines.
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Occipital nerve block. The same injection of a local anesthetic and nerve block that’s used to diagnose occipital neuralgia, can also be used to treat the pain.
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Botulinum toxin injections. These can help by reducing nerve inflammation.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if home treatments aren’t working or your pain is getting worse. They may advise surgery to decrease pressure on the occipital nerves.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Joseph Campellone MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
5/1/2022
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