If you have ever experienced prolonged migraines or headaches, you will be able to appreciate how much they could compromise your ability to function. Starting at the rear of the head and going forward, this disorder seems to be an endless fight. In this sense, one treatment with some potential to provide some relief is occipital nerve blocks. It’s important to understand, though, what this treatment entails and how precisely it could help with pain control.
What is the occipital nerve block?
An anesthetic and corticosteroid material is injected into the region surrounding the rear of the head occipital nerves in an occipital nerve block treatment. Involved in sensing such things, these nerves send pain signals from the scalp to the brain. “Blocking” the nerve stops impulses from being delivered, thereby effectively treating migraines and headaches.
Treating several headache-causing disorders and helping identify the exact location of the pain trigger point are benefits of occipital nerve blocks near me. Tension headaches and migraines greatly lower life expectancy and quality of life.
- Stress headaches
- Cluster attacks
- Occipital neuralgia, in which the occipital nerves are inflamed,
- Headaches brought on by neck difficulties, or cervicogenic headaches
- After a concussion
- Severe migraines
If you experience any of the above-described symptoms and you have not gotten good treatment from over-the-counter medications or other types of therapy, your doctor can suggest you have an occipital nerve block.
Describe the Occipital Nerve Block Technique
Taking only a few minutes and without requiring the occipital neuralgia patient to be admitted to the hospital, occipital nerve block is a really simple treatment. Here is what to anticipate:
- Preparation: The healthcare professional will clean the rear of the head using a solution with antibacterial properties. A few of the tests will call for you to lie flat on a table either on your back or on your face.
- Injection: A tiny needle will then be placed to provide a local anesthetic and steroid closer to the occipital nerve located close to the base of your skull. Some people have discomfort right before injection and then go away rather quickly.
- Instant Relief: A few of the patients have stated that the potency of the anesthetic causes some alleviation starting within the first five to ten minutes. The corticosteroid used to treat inflammation might not show its best results right away. It takes several days.
- Post-procedure: Usually, there is some discomfort at the location of the injection; nevertheless, most patients return to normal activities the next day.
The Benefits of Occipital Nerve Blocks
An occipital nerve block mostly helps with pain practically instant alleviation, as has already been mentioned. Here are a few more advantages:
- Minimum side effects: Occipital nerve block addresses the source of the issue unlike the usage of oral drugs that could cause negative effects on the body.
- The operation may be carried out in a doctor’s office, is quick, does not call for the patient to go under or to have scalpel cuts.
- Extended relief: Though it varies from one patient to the next, some individuals sleep without discomfort and may spend weeks or even months doing so.
Are There Any Risks involved?
Like any operation connected to therapy at a medical facility, an occipital nerve block carries some, if low, risks. Potential adverse effects include:
– Infection and transient minor bleeding or bruising at the medication’s administration region.
– Transient symptoms in the scalp including tingling or numbness.
– Dizziness or lightheadedness
Few difficulties arise in some people having the operation, while most of them have moderate side effects that go away soon.
Under what circumstances should an occipital nerve block be performed?
You qualify for an occipital nerve block when you have severe, recurring headaches unresponsive to previous treatments. Usually, this surgery is advised following careful examination of the patient’s symptoms, prior medical history, and other pertinent information by the physician.
This treatment is part of the larger process of altering the patient’s lifestyle, his or her physical therapy, and sometimes surgery in severe situations; it is not a one-time fix. While some individuals may require therapy occasionally, others may require it often and so many people are involved.
Final Thought
For someone who has often experienced head discomfort, occipital nerve block is quite successful and useful. It has less negative effects than most modern drugs and instant pain relief. See your doctor to find out if this operation is suitable for you if those headaches interfere with your daily activities.
Although it is difficult to live in agony for your entire life, modern medical advancements such as occipital nerve blocks have shown a remedy. This might be the less intrusive procedure you have been waiting for to restore your life from the continuous headaches that appear to stop your movement and dexterity. Talking to the professionals at Migrain Surgery Specialist Center will help you to clarify this idea as they can offer correct advice and treatment!
