Overview
This is a chronic pain condition caused by the irritation and compression of the occipital nerves. Patients will present with shooting/electric pain at the back of the head. Nerve blocks may be used to aid the diagnosis as well as in management. Oral treatments including anti epileptics are commonly used and in those refractory to treatment surgical options may be explored.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
The pain can be bilateral (both sides of the head) and/or unilateral (one side). The pain can also be isolated to the front and/or back of the head. The pain can be intermittent but it can often become chronic. It is generally a diagnosis of exclusion and nerve blocks may be used to aid the diagnosis. However, nerve blocks can be helpful in several other headache types. Often people with ON described the pain as travelling from the back of the head to the front. They can experience a throbbing pain at the base of the skull or a burning pain throughout the head. They will described electric shock and shooting pains in the head. They may also experience migrainous features such as light and sound sensitivity.
Treatments & Key Areas We Specialise In
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