What is an Occipital Nerve Block?
An occipital nerve block is an injection given at the back of the head, near the base of the skull. The target is the occipital nerve, which can cause pain when irritated. This treatment is often used to help with various headache disorders including migraines, cervicogenic headaches, cluster headaches, or occipital neuralgia.
How do I prepare?
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, especially blood thinners.
- Let your doctor know if you have allergies to numbing medicine or steroids.
- Share any history of bleeding problems or infections.
- Share any history of surgery in the neck/spine or brain.
You may be asked to have someone drive you home, as you could feel numb or dizzy for a short time after the injection.
Why is it done?
An occipital nerve block can:
- Help figure out if your headaches are mediated by your occipital nerves.
- Reduce pain from migraines, cluster headaches, or occipital neuralgia.
- Provide temporary relief so you can get back to your normal activities.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be asked to lay face down on the procedure table.
- The skin on the back of your head and neck will be cleaned.
- A small needle will be used to inject medicine near the nerves.
- The procedure roughly takes 10-20 minutes. You may feel pressure or a quick sting.
What should I expect after?
- You may feel pain relief right away from the numbing medicine.
- If a steroid is used, the longer-lasting relief may take a few days to start.
- The back of your head may feel sore, swollen, or numb for a few hours.
- Your doctor may ask you to keep track of your pain in a diary.
What are the risks?
Most people do very well, but possible risks include:
- Elevated blood sugar for a few hours/days (if steroid is used)
- Soreness or swelling where the shots were given.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Extremely rarely: bleeding, nerve damage, spinal cord damage, stroke.
- Rarely, infection or allergic reaction.; hair loss patch on the scalp.
Are there related tests?
Your doctor may suggest
Scans like an MRI or CT to rule out other causes of pain
A neurological exam to check how your nerves are working
Other types of nerve blocks if needed
Providing specialized neurological and pain management care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Sader combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to help patients achieve optimal health outcomes.
