Home

Our Procedure

Home Pain Management Procedures Occipital Nerve Block

Occipital Nerve Block (Pain Management Procedure)

Headed by Dr. Hemaxi Ambani

An occipital nerve block may provide temporary pain relief for certain headache disorders, like occipital neuralgia and cluster headaches. It can also help with neck and head pain related to injuries, such as whiplash. The results can vary from person to person. Some people experience pain relief, while others don’t.

WHAT IS AN OCCIPITAL NERVE BLOCK ?

An occipital nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at providing temporary pain relief by injecting anesthetic medication near the occipital nerves. These nerves, originating from the cervical spine (neck area), are responsible for providing sensation to various parts of the head. There are three main types of occipital nerves:

  • Greater Occipital Nerve (GON): Supplies sensation to the scalp, ears, and areas around the parotid glands.
  • Lesser Occipital Nerve (LON):Provides sensation to the back of the scalp and the outer ear.
  • Third Occipital Nerve (TON):Supplies sensation to the lower back of the scalp.

    • An occipital nerve block can help alleviate pain associated with conditions such as:

    • occipital neuralgia
    • Migraine headaches
    • Postdural puncture headache
    • Cervicogenic headache
    • Cluster headache
    • Neck pain and whiplash injuries

    PROCEDURE DETAILS

    Preparation:

  • Generally, no special preparation is required.
  • Sedation might be recommended in some cases, in which fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure is necessary.

    • During the Procedure:

  • The patient is positioned either sitting with the head tilted down or lying on the stomach.
  • The provider locates the targeted occipital nerve, sometimes aided by imaging techniques like fluoroscopy or ultrasound.
  • The injection site is cleaned, and the medication is injected close to the nerve.
  • The procedure typically lasts around five minutes.

    • After The Procedure:

  • Patients may rest for 10-30 minutes, depending on whether sedation was administered.
  • Common side effects include mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.

    • BENEFITS

  • Provides temporary or permanent pain relief, aiding daily function.
  • Reduces inflammation, promoting nerve healing.
  • Can help diagnose the source of pain.

    • RECOVERY & OUTLOOK

    The duration of pain relief varies among individuals, with some experiencing relief for several hours to months. Multiple injections may be required for lasting relief in conditions like occipital neuralgia or cervicogenic headache.

    We value Excellence in patient care, Leadership, Innovation, Effective teamwork and partnerships, Social responsibility, and Accountability.

    PAIN MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE

    Shivam pain management centre is one of the top chronic pain management clinic/centers in Ahmedabad,Gujarat, India with highly experienced pain specialists offer pain management services in private set up which is running successfully since 2006. Our Purpose is to help our patients in every way we can. We help people manage their pain & resume more normal, productive lives. "To cure sometimes, to relieve often, & to support always" is our guiding principle