Occipital neuralgia
Our multi-disciplinary neuroscience team at HCA UK can diagnose occipital neuralgia and provide long-lasting pain relief
About
Need to know
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Symptoms of occipital neuralgia icon plus
Symptoms of occipital neuralgia include:
- episodes of stabbing pain, which last seconds to minutes
- pain on one side of the head
- strange sensations along the scalp, back of the head and neck
- the area may feel extremely tender
- there may be a dull ache in between attacks
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Diagnosis icon plus
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you to help make a diagnosis. CT scans of the spine and an MRI scan may be ordered — this is to examine the area in more detail. Often, arthritis between the first and second vertebrae in the neck can trap the occipital nerve, causing pain. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
Anti-inflammatory medication can often relieve the symptoms of occipital nerve pain. Physiotherapy and massage can also relieve the pain.
Nerve blocks are another option. Here, a neurologist injects local anaesthetic into the occipital nerve at the back of the head. This manages pain for up to three months.
Occipital nerve stimulation is another type of treatment. This is where electrodes are placed against the nerves through a small operation and a battery-powered generator is implanted under the skin of your chest. This sends mild electric currents to the back of your head, blocking the pain signals.
Our consultants
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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Chiswick Medical Centre
Bond House
347-353 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4HS
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344