Occipital Neuralgia is a condition in which the occipital nerves, the nerves that run through the scalp, are injured or inflamed. Show
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Jump To OverviewOccipital Neuralgia is a condition in which the occipital nerves, the nerves that run through the scalp, are injured or inflamed. This causes headaches that feel like severe piercing, throbbing or shock-like pain in the upper neck, back of the head or behind the ears. CausesOccipital neuralgia can be the result of pinched nerves or muscle tightness in the neck. It can also be caused by a head or neck injury. Occipital neuralgia can either be primary or secondary. A secondary condition is associated with an underlying disease. Although any of the following may be causes of occipital neuralgia, many cases can be attributed to chronic neck tension or unknown origins.
SymptomsSymptoms of occipital neuralgia include continuous aching, burning and throbbing, with intermittent shocking or shooting pain that generally starts at the base of the head and goes to the scalp on one or both sides of the head. Patients often have pain behind the eye of the affected side of the head. Additionally, a movement as light as brushing hair may trigger pain. The pain is often described as migraine-like and some patients may also experience symptoms common to migraines and cluster headaches. When & How to Seek Medical CareOccipital neuralgia can be very difficult to diagnose because of its similarities with migraines and other headache disorders. Therefore, it is important to seek medical care when you begin feeling unusual, sharp pain in the neck or scalp and the pain is not accompanied by nausea or light sensitivity. Begin by addressing the problem with your primary care physician. They may refer you to a specialist. Testing + DiagnosisDiagnosis of occipital neuralgia is tricky, because there is not one concrete test that will reveal a positive or negative diagnosis. Typically, a physical examination and neurological exam will be done to look for abnormalities. If the physical and neurological exams are inconclusive, a doctor may order further imaging to rule out any other possible causes of the pain. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test may be ordered, which can show three-dimensional images of certain body structures and can reveal any impingement. A computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) will show the shape and size of body structures. Some doctors may use occipital nerve blocks to confirm their diagnosis. TREATMENT + CARETreatment of occipital neuralgia aims to alleviate the pain; however, it is not a cure. Interventions can be surgical or non-surgical. Non-surgical Treatments
Surgery
Follow-upPatients are encouraged to regularly follow up with their primary care providers and specialists to maintain their treatment. Surgeons like patients to return to the clinic every few months in the year following the surgery. In these visits, they may adjust the stimulation settings and assess the patient’s recovery from surgery. Following up with a doctor ensures that the patient is getting correct and effective care. Patients who undergo occipital nerve stimulation will follow up with a device representative who will adjust their device settings and parameters as needed, alongside their doctors. Outlook/Latest ResearchCurrently Recruiting:
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Note from AANSThe AANS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products or physicians referenced in these patient fact sheets. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific neurosurgical advice or assistance should consult his or her neurosurgeon, or locate one in your area through the AANS’ Find a Board-certified Neurosurgeon online tool. Why does the top side of my head hurt when I touch it?Common causes of scalp tenderness and sensitivity. Migraines, headaches, and autoimmune disorders can cause scalp pain, irritation, and inflammation. Sunburns, rashes, wounds, and insect bites also commonly cause scalp tenderness.nullScalp tenderness: Symptoms, causes, and treatments - MedicalNewsTodaywww.medicalnewstoday.com › articlesnull Why does it hurt when I press the left side of my head?Many conditions, such as dehydration, stress, migraine, and sinus congestion, can cause a headache on one side of the head. Serious causes can also include brain inflammation, severe infection, and brain cancer.null11 Headaches on the Left Side of the Head - Healthlinewww.healthline.com › health › left-side-head-painnull Why does it hurt when I press on the top of my head?Stress and poor posture usually cause headaches on top of your head—along with migraines, dehydration, sleep deprivation, sinus infections or allergies, and certain medications. You can treat a headache on top of your head with OTC pain relievers, relaxation techniques, and cold or warm compresses.28 thg 4, 2024nullWhat Causes a Headache on Top of Your Head? - Healthwww.health.com › Neurological Disorders › Headachenull What does it mean when you press your head and it hurts?Sinus infections, ear infections, tension headaches, and migraine could all cause this symptom. These conditions may get better on their own or respond to over-the-counter pain medication. However, intense or persistent pressure in the head may indicate a severe medical condition.nullPressure in the head: Causes, treatments, and when to see a doctorwww.medicalnewstoday.com › articlesnull |