Connect
Occipital Neuralgia: What treatments work for you?
I have been having headaches on one side of my head and have recently been diagnosed with occipital neuralgia. They recommend a nerve bloc but I wonder anyone else has this and how they handle it.. I don't want a nerve bloc. The headaches are usually mild but occasionally the pain wakes me up. They got worse after I had my Gamma surgery. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain & Nervous System Support Group.
Connect
I have to sleep on my right side bc of the occipital neuralgia on the left, and I use two very soft pillows. I think the brand is Fluffy, and I use Blissy silk pillowcases. Good luck!
Can I ask what type and brand pillow works for you. I feel like I’ve spent way too much money testing pillows and haven’t found anything that works. I feel like my migraines start at my occipital area. Thank you!
Hi @blueskies10, it sounds Iike a very difficult time for you. I'msorry and am hopeful you've had some settling after taking gabapentin steadily with increased dose. It may take time to provide relief. In addition to nerve medication, what has worked for me are very basic tools to work alongside, like diaphragmatic breathing, mindfulness exercises, physical fitness and joyful, funny distraction. I know it sounds crazy, but the more you direct your brain elsewhere, the more likely your brain can stop "accessing it's pain network". What sorts of distraction do you find enjoyable? Do you have hobbies you enjoy or phone calls to someone who makes you laugh?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsIt’s horrible. Try ice packs or heat. Ice works best for me, coupled with Tylenol, Celebrex and nerve stimulator. Good luck.
Rachel. @rwinney Maybe I missed it because I'm in excruciating pain from new onset of occipital neuralgia, but did you find a way to lessen or stop your pain? I've had small-fiber neuropathy also for 20 years, but these ice-pick headaches are new to me. Could SFN be the cause? What is the cure? I've been on Gabapentin for 3 days. At first it seemed to help. Now it feels like it isn't doing anything. I'm up to 400 mg a day now. And I'm taking extra-strength Tylenol.The pain is every few seconds right now. It's really hard to take. Any advice would be really appreciated.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi, @kasey7 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I appreciate your compassion and empathy for @judic0927. Sounds like you've been on a super challenging road yourself, with the TBI from your motorcycle accident leading to migraine and occipital neuralgia.
As long as you are not giving another member medical advice and instead sharing what has worked for you, you are welcome to share the names of medications that have or have not helped you. Here are the community guidelines, if you want to have a look https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/.
kasey7, you talked about arthritis in your neck triggering the ON and migraines, almost daily. How did you find out that this was what was happening? Do you have distinct flare ups of the arthritis in your neck where you know the symptoms of ON and migraine are coming?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have for 9+ years.
I hope you continue getting help.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI’ve had migraines for 40+ years and FINALLY received relief when my neuro put me on Quilipta. Almost to the day of starting that, I began experiencing a new type of headache that I thought was a tumor behind my eye. Grateful it isn’t a tumor. After significant frustration and multiple specialist referrals, I returned to my neuro, who diagnosed me with ON. She has referred me for PT, with dry needling and possible nerve oblation. My first session was terrific and all he did was deep muscle massage. I am hopeful!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsI’ve had ON for a decade and have tried everything my neurologist knows about. NALU stimulator, Celebrex and Tylenol are my defenses against daily headaches.