10 Causes of Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia is a chronic condition where there is pain in the back of the head, lower neck, and behind the eyes. This is due to the locations of the lesser and greater occipital nerves. The occipital artery is wrapped around the greater occipital nerve, which contributes to the neuralgia.
Patients with occipital neuralgia often report of chronic headaches localized around the top or back of the head. It may also radiate behind the eye or up to the eyebrow. Since chronic headaches are common, occipital neuralgia is often misdiagnosed as tension headaches or migraines. Other associated symptoms include photophobia, phonophobia, and slurred speech. The symptoms can last from a few seconds to several days.
Treatment involves physical therapy, rest, manipulation, anti-inflammatory medication, heat, antidepressants, analgesics, anticonvulsants, and migraine prophylaxis medication. Microdecompression or surgical neurolysis may also be beneficial if normal measures fail.
