Occipital neuralgia is a condition that causes nerve pain in the back of the head and upper neck. It occurs when the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp, become irritated or inflamed.
The pain is often sharp and can spread from the base of the skull to the scalp.
Common symptoms of occipital neuralgia include:
Pain may be triggered by touching the scalp or moving the neck.
Occipital neuralgia can be caused by irritation or injury to the occipital nerves.
Common causes include:
In some cases, the exact cause is not identified.
Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical examination. A doctor will check for tenderness along the occipital nerves and assess neck movement.
A diagnostic nerve block may be performed. If pain improves after the injection, it helps confirm the diagnosis.
Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans may be used if an underlying condition is suspected.
Treatment usually starts with conservative care.
Common treatment options include:
If symptoms persist, occipital nerve blocks may be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
In rare cases, surgical nerve decompression may be considered when other treatments do not provide relief.