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Gulf Coast Pain
Management |
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OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA
Description -
Occipital neuralgia is a distinct type of headache characterized by
piercing, throbbing, or electric shock-like chronic pain in the upper
neck, back of the head and behind the ears, usually on one side of the
head. Typically the pain of occipital neuralgia beings in the neck and
then spreads upwards. Some individuals will also experience pain in the
scalp, forehead and behind the eyes. The scalp may be sensitive to touch
and their eyes especially sensitive to light. The location of the pain
is related to the areas supplied by the greater and lesser occipital
nerves, which run from the area where the spinal column meets the neck,
up to the scalp at the back of the head. The pain is caused by
irritation or injury to the nerves, which can be the result of trauma to
the back of the head, pinching of the nerves by overly tight neck
muscles, compression of the nerve as it leaves the spine due to
osteoarthritis, or tumors or other lesions in the neck. Localized
inflammation or infection, gout, diabetes, blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis),
and frequent lengthy periods of keeping the head in a downward and
forward position are also associated with occipital neuralgia. In many
cases however, no cause can be found. A positive response (relief from
pain) after an anesthetic nerve block will confirm the diagnosis. |
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Treatment- Treatment is
generally symptomatic and includes massage and rest. In some cases
antidepressants may be used when the pain is particularly severe. Other
treatments may include local nerve blocks and injections of steroids directly
into the affected area. Recovery is usually complete after the bout of pain has
ended and the nerve damage repaired or lessened.
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