Occipital Neuralgia is a type of headache that occurs due to irritation or injury to the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord, up through the scalp. These nerves can become inflamed, leading to sharp, shooting pain at the base of the skull, which can radiate to the back of the head, neck, and behind the eyes. Symptoms may also include tenderness of the scalp, pain with neck movement, and sensitivity to light.
Occipital neuralgia is often caused by conditions such as neck injury, pinched nerves, muscle tension, or degenerative conditions of the spine. It can also result from infection, inflammation, or even certain types of headaches.
Treatment for occipital neuralgia may involve medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or nerve pain relievers, physical therapy to alleviate muscle tension, or nerve blocks (injections) to directly target the occipital nerves and reduce inflammation. In severe cases, occipital nerve stimulation or surgery may be considered.
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