I've recently learned that I also have occipital neuralgia and I'm following along with this thread. I'm stuck in a holding pattern with it due to the insurance taking thier sweet time about approving the additional tests the neuro surgeon wants to run. So, I get to sit here and deal with the pain since my current meds for my other conditions don't fully cover it. Sorry to whine here, I'm just pretty frustrated having to always rely on other people and the pain is doing me in on all fronts.

Anyway, I've read that nerve blocks are often used as a diagnostic tool for occipital neuralgia. Does anyone have experience with this? I know they use them to control pain also, but firstly for diagnosing. Or am I totally off base?

Ellena

They are one in the same; diagnostic as well as therapeutic. But just remember if they don't work, the docs will have to look further. I had them in my scalp at first; greater and lesser occipital nerves. They did help for awhile but not long lasting. But again, my issues were from the cervical spine itself. And you don't get these all the time as say you would in taking meds. The docs really don't like to give a lot of injections as in managing pain. I just mean you can't keep going back and having them done over and over and over again. Eventually, they will find a different procedure. For instance...I will be getting a C2/C3 facet injection tomorrow. This will be my second one in 8 months. After that and if this gives me good pain control, the doc will do a radiofrequency ablation. But everyone is different with different reasons for ON. I know of some who have opted for a stimulator. So, I think it all just depends on what is going on. And I want to add I feel for anyone that has this going on. It has to be the absolute worst pain I have ever had in my life. I have spinal issues galore but nothing has topped the ON...not yet anyway. I wish you all the best of luck and success in getting some relief from it.

I have read that the nerve blocks have been used for diagnostic purposes too. But my O.N. wasn't diagnosed that way, but I wish it had been though, because the nerve blocks work well for me! It seems I had to try nearly every med available first, before I could try the nerve block!
Oh well, at least the nerve blocks work for me, they don't work for everyone...

~Jaime~

I had nerve blocks, facet injections, cortisone and lanicane, and it did not work for me. I have had "ON" for 15 years. i am now trying Botox and hoping and praying that my headaches go away. I will let you know how it goes.

Richie

Richie,

I am so sorry the injections didn't help you. I think that is what is so weird about having ON. The docs originally diagnosed me with ON but when they saw the cervical spine MRI they changed that diagnosis to Cervicogenic headaches with variant migraines. I feel blessed in a sense because the culprit was eventually found but it took a good 3 years. But I also know ON can be muscular in nature and all kinds of other things. I hope the Botox works for you as it did my friend. Let us know if it helps.

I'll be watching for your posts. On my front, the insurance company approved the EMG and Myelogram so next week will be EMG and myelogram will follow on the next Monday. I hope the doc gets me in soon after that.

Ellena

My ON is from failed brain surgeries for the TN. The scar tissue has built up and is now causing bilateral ON

Just what you don't need...more nerve pain than you had before!
My ON is from successful brain surgery to remove a cyst, but where the surgeon went in through my neck, was too close to the left occ. nerves!

~Jaime~

Well, I'm guessing mine is from a car accident (whiplash).

Ellena

Sorry to hear that Ellena, no fun at all