Occipital Nerve Block
This technique is traditionally useful in the treatment of occipital neuralgia. It has also been shown to benefit sufferers of more complex headache syndromes involving migraine, cervicogenic and tension headache features, where occipital region pain or scalp sensitivity is prominent.
Using x-ray or ultrasound guidance, a small needle is used to instill local anaesthetic and steroid medication in the vicinity of the occipital nerves. Often, relief of pain onsets immediately, although this local anaesthetic effect will be of relatively short duration. Longer lasting improvement should develop over several days secondary to the effects of the steroid medication in “settling down” irritated nerve tissue. Pain relief can endure for several months, and injections can be repeated at appropriate intervals.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Northern Pain Centre can facilitate you obtaining a second opinion. Please discuss this with us.
Learn more
- Educational Video: Occipital and Peripheral Nerve Blocks
- Northern Pain Centre Patient Education Sheet – Occipital Nerve Block
- Northern Pain Centre Patient Education Sheet – Preoperative Medication List – Category B
- Northern Pain Centre Post Procedure Pain Diary
Disclaimer
The contents contained within this page are not a substitute for your own independent health professional’s advice, diagnosis or treatment. Northern Pain Centre treats every patient’s condition individually and provides evidence-based treatments to suit this. Treatment’s may vary based on this individual assessment and your medical history. If you would like to find out whether our treatments are suitable for your specific condition, please arrange a consultation with one of our team. Please note there are risks associated with any procedure, and some are more common than others. You should discuss the risks associated with any recommended treatment with your doctor. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Northern Pain Centre can facilitate you obtaining a second opinion. Please discuss this with us.