Headaches & Migraines are extremely common and, unfortunately, they can stop you right in your tracks. An intense headache or migraine can last just a few minutes or for days at a time. The pain can be so excruciating that it may cause a person to stay in bed or a dark and quiet room, praying that the pain will stop. Some headaches like cluster headaches will occur like clockwork at certain times of the year with the remainder of the year being relatively normal, while other types like migraines that will come on throughout the year.
Currently, there are over 150 different types of headaches and facial pain – as such, the treatment can be completely different depending on the exact type. Treatments can range from oxygen therapy or high dose anti-inflammatory medications to injections with botulinum toxin (aka Botox) and nerve blocks within the skull.
What is an Occipital Nerve Block?
The occipital nerve runs along the back of the skull is responsible for a particular type of facial pain called Occipital Neuralgia. Using fluoroscopic guidance, your doctor will injected a small amount of a local anesthetic called Bupivacaine. This will prevent the occipital nerve from transmitting pain signals. RFA can also be applied to the occipital nerve to provide longer lasting pain relief.