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Occipital Neuralgia

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Occipital Neuralgia

(C2 Neuralgia; Arnold Neuralgia)

Definition

Occipital neuralgia is a headache with pain that starts in the back of the neck or head and moves to the scalp. It happens due to a problem with the two occipital nerves in the neck.

Causes

The exact cause is not always known. Other times it may be due to injury or irritation of the nerve from problems like:

  • Trauma to the back of the head
  • Neck muscles that are very tight or tense
  • Pressure on the nerves from things like swollen blood vessels, gout, tumors, or cysts
  • Infection

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the chance of occipital neuralgia are:

  • Current or past neck injury
  • Past surgery to the head and neck
  • A spine, neck, or head that is not normal in structure
  • Repeat stress or strain on the neck

Symptoms

The main problem is pain that starts in the back of the neck or head and moves up the scalp. It may be sudden, sharp, burning, or throbbing. The area may also feel numb. How long it lasts differs in each person.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A neurological exam may also be done.

Images may be taken of the head and neck. This can be done with:

An occipital nerve block may be done. A needle with numbing medicine is inserted near the nerve. If it eases pain, then the nerve is likely the cause of the problem.

CT Scan of the Head.

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Nucleus Imagehttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=24032403si55551310.jpgCT Scan of the HeadNULLjpgCT Scan of the HeadNULL\\filer01\Intellect\images\si55551310.jpgCopyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.21NULL2002-10-012553912403_947485Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to ease or stop pain. Any underlying causes will also need to be treated.

For most, neuralgia can be relieved with:

  • Heat therapy, which may be dry, moist, or both
  • Massage therapy
  • Physical therapy to ease tense or tight muscles

Prevention

Occipital neuralgia cannot always be prevented. Exercising the muscles of the neck may help.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Headache—approach to the adult patient. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/headache-approach-to-the-adult-patient#TOPIC_IRG_HHZ_TKB.
  • Occipital neuralgia. American Association of Neurological Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Occipital-Neuralgia.
  • Occipital neuraglia. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/occipital-neuralgia.
  • Occipital neuralgia. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/occipital-neuralgia.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.