Patients may feel that the headache is akin to an electric shock and it can be chronic (very long lasting). In addition, patients often report other effects, such as severe scalp sensitivity, extreme light sensitivity and even pain directly at the back of the eyes.
What are the side effects of occipital neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia can cause intense pain that feels like a sharp, jabbing, electric shock in the back of the head and neck . Other symptoms include: Aching, burning, and throbbing pain that typically starts at the base of the head and goes to the scalp. Pain on one or both sides of the head.
How long does it take for occipital neuralgia to go away?
Most cases disappear in 1 to 2 months . In rare cases, it can last longer than a year. If you're older than 50, it's wise to get vaccinated against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia.
Can occipital neuralgia make you feel sick?
Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia
Some patients report an odd sensation in the neck and head region accompanied by pain in the face or upper extremities. Occipital neuralgia may also cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting , or ringing in the ears. These symptoms may come and go at irregular intervals.
Does occipital neuralgia make you tired?
Sleep gives your body and brain a chance to rest and is key for recovery. Unfortunately, many people with occipital neuralgia struggle to fall asleep at night due to their pain. Symptoms like dental pain and scalp tenderness can make it feel impossible to find a comfortable position to sleep.
Is occipital neuralgia serious?
Occipital neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition . Most people get good pain relief by resting and taking medication.
Can occipital neuralgia cause a stroke?
In some cases, occipital neuralgia symptoms may actually indicate a life-threatening stroke .
How do you fix occipital neuralgia?
- Heat: patients often feel relief when heating pads or devices are placed in the location of the pain. ...
- Physical therapy or massage therapy.
- Oral Medication: ...
- Percutaneous nerve blocks: these injections can be used both to diagnose and treat occipital neuralgia.
Is occipital neuralgia a disability?
Other types of headaches, such as cluster headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, or occipital neuralgia, may also qualify you for Social Security disability benefits if the headaches prevent you from working.
What is the best medicine for occipital neuralgia?
- Apply ice/heat therapy. Ice therapy may reduce local inflammation and relieve pain. ...
- Take NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (e.g., Aleve). ...
- Give yourself a neck massage.
Can occipital neuralgia affect vision?
This pain is typically one-sided, although it can be on both sides if both occipital nerves have been affected . Additionally, the pain may radiate forward toward the eye, as it follows the path of the occipital nerve(s). Individuals may notice blurred vision as the pain radiates near or behind the eye.
Can occipital neuralgia cause seizures?
| Occipital epilepsy | Specialty Neurology |
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Can occipital neuralgia affect your eyes?
Like migraine, occipital neuralgia symptoms also include those that affect balance and coordination . These include: Vision issues, such as blurry eyes.
Is occipital neuralgia common?
Occipital neuralgia is a rare chronic headache that affects only about three out of every 100,000 people each year . The term “neuralgia” refers to pain in the distribution of a nerve. The occipital nerves run from the top of your spinal cord to your scalp.
Can you see occipital neuralgia on an MRI?
Radiographic imaging is of limited utility in the diagnosis of occipital neuralgia but is primarily concerned with excluding structural pathology of the cord, the spine, the occipital nerves or adjacent structures. As such, MRI is best suited to this task 1 , 4 .
Do occipital nerve blocks cause weight gain?
Potential side effects include but not limited to elevated glucose levels, altered menstrual cycle, fluid retention, bruising, insomnia, sweats, hot/cold flashes, flushing of the face, weight gain, or osteoporosis. Alternatives to the procedure include oral medications, physical therapy, or acupuncture.
Can you drive with occipital neuralgia?
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia and Arnold ‘s occipital neuralgia: adequate adjustment of the neck or head rest is recommended . Headache: in patients with anterior headache, an analgesic treatment that does not interfere with driving is recommended, as well as control of the underlying cause to allow for risk-free driving.
