Occipital Neuralgia Treatment in NYC

Occipital neuralgia is a type of headache that causes chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the eyes. This condition occurs due to irritation or damage to the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp.

Occipital neuralgia usually occurs due to pinching or irritation of one of the two nerve nodes (known as the nerves of the occipital branch), which can occur due to trauma, osteoarthritis, or congenital abnormalities.

Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia

One of the most common symptoms associated with this condition is a sudden, acute headache that bears little resemblance to the pain experienced with a migraine. The scalp becomes extremely sensitive to even the lightest touch, making normal daily activities such as brushing, washing, or combing your hair difficult.

Common symptoms of occipital neuralgia include:

Sharp, shooting pain in the back of the head, neck, and behind the eyes.
Pain that is aggravated by neck movement.
Tenderness or sensitivity of the scalp.

Diagnosing occipital neuralgia requires a physical examination by a doctor to determine which nerve is the source of pain.

Occipital Neuralgia Treatment

An individualized treatment plan is selected for each patient, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying causes of neuralgia. It is important to remember that self-treatment can lead to a worsening of the condition, so it is necessary to consult a doctor at a pain clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from occipital neuralgia, be sure to make an appointment with the best pain management doctors at NYPC. After a detailed physical examination, our neurologists will determine which treatment option best suits your needs.

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