Occipital Nerve Block

A minimally invasive procedure to relieve headache pain

The occipital nerves run from the top of the spinal cord through the scalp on top of the head. Inflammation of either of these nerves, called occipital neuralgia, can cause headaches with pain similar to migraines or cluster headaches. This pain is usually located at the back of the head.

An occipital nerve block lets us treat these headaches. During this procedure, we inject a steroid medication at the occipital nerve to relieve the inflammation and swelling in the area, which can decrease or eliminate headache pain.

There is a small risk of complications from an occipital nerve block. Possible complications include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Temporary increase in pain at the injection site
• Worsening of headache pain

Pain Management Service, Newton-Wellesley Ambulatory Care Center
159 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617-243-6142

What to Expect From Your Occipital Nerve Block

When you arrive for your procedure, one of our nurses will speak with you about what your headache pain is like and how you manage daily activities. We’ll record the following vital health information:

• Allergies
• Blood pressure
• Brief health history

It’s especially important to tell your nurse if you are allergic to any medications or latex or if you have diabetes.

Next, you’ll discuss the procedure with your doctor, and we’ll help you sit on a table. We’ll clean your skin and hair with antiseptic, and your doctor will inject the medication into your scalp. The procedure will take less than a minute.

You should plan to stay with us for 15 to 20 minutes after your procedure. During this time, a nurse will go over any questions you may have and review your discharge instructions and required follow-up care.

When You Go Home After Your Occipital Nerve Block

After you return home from your procedure, try to rest and avoid activities that might aggravate your pain. You likely can return to work and exercise the next day.

Some patients experience more pain at first when the anesthetic wears off because the steroid can irritate the occipital nerve. Place ice on your injection site and take over-the-counter pain medications to ease any pain.

Many patients experience relief from their headaches after their first or second occipital nerve block, while some patients will need three injections. Don’t be discouraged if your pain doesn’t go away immediately. If you still have symptoms after one to two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor to follow up or for another injection.

Talk to your doctor for more information about receiving a referral for an occipital nerve block, or call us at 617-243-6142 to request an appointment.