Occipital neuralgia
Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia (/ɒkˈsɪpɪtəl njuːˈrældʒiə/) 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.
Etymology
The term "occipital" originates from the Latin "occiput" which means "back of the skull," and "neuralgia" comes from the Greek words "neuron" meaning "nerve" and "algos" meaning "pain."
Symptoms
Typically, the pain of occipital neuralgia begins in the neck and then spreads upwards. Some individuals will also experience pain in the scalp, forehead, and behind the eyes. Their scalp may also be sensitive to the touch. Other symptoms include:
- Aching, burning, and throbbing pain that typically starts at the base of the head and radiates to the scalp
- Pain on one or both sides of the head
- Pain behind the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Tender scalp
- Pain when moving the neck
Causes
Occipital neuralgia is caused by damage to the occipital nerves, which can arise from trauma (such as a car accident), physical stress on the nerve, repetitive neck contraction, flexion or extension, and/or as a result of medical complications (such as osteoarthritis).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of occipital neuralgia is made through physical examination, medical history, and ruling out other potential causes of the headache. In some cases, a nerve block might be used to diagnose the condition.
Treatment
Treatment options for occipital neuralgia include:
- Heat application
- Physical therapy
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs
- Prescription medications
- Nerve blocks
- Steroid injections
- Surgery
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Occipital neuralgia
- Wikipedia's article - Occipital neuralgia
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