What is Occipital Neuralgia
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 begins in the neck and then spreads upwards. The most severe part of the attacks is brief, with intense, sharp pain lasting only a few seconds to a few minutes. Migraine pain, which is also severe, lasts much longer than pain from occipital neuralgia. It’s estimated that occipital neuralgia affects about three out of every 100,000 people every year. See other headache conditions on the conditions page.
Symptoms
- Aching, burning, and throbbing pain that typically starts at the base of the head and goes to the scalp
- Pain behind the eye
- Pain on one or both sides of the head
- Pain when you move your neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Tender scalp
Treatments
- Antidepressants
- Antiseizure drugs, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) and gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Apply heat to your neck
- Massage tight and painful neck muscles
- Microvascular decompression
- Nerve blocks
- Occipital nerve stimulation
- Prescription muscle relaxants
- Rest in a quiet room
- Steroid shots
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, like naproxen or ibuprofen
