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1605482 tn?1297864778

occipital nerve block

I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation about 17 years ago. I have had the headaches (well...ONE headache that just changes throughout the day...) for 19 years. I had the decompression surgery about 7 years ago. No relief at all from the headaches. About 3 years ago, I went to a Neurologist and she diagnosed me with a separate problem... Occipital Neuralgia. (a compressed nerve). Surgery was an option, but my Neurosurgeon ruled it out. Said that it wouldn't be a good idea.
The headaches are worse these days.
I have gone to a pain management doctor and he is suggesting an Occipital Nerve Block.
Has anyone ever had this procedure done? Was it helpful?

Thanks,
Norma
5 Responses
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum,

This is an older thread and the member u r addressing this to has been inactive.

U may want to start a new thread so members see it and reply.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
how sever were your symptoms, I was suggested to have this done vs the decompression surgery. In my opinion I feel that this only mask the symptoms. where as the surgery, although more invasive, treats the problem. I was having hormonal migraines that have stopped since I had a total hysterectomy. Now the headaches I get are only related to the chiari, from coughing, laughing, crying, looking up, standing up quickly. I also have issues with dizziness in the AM when I stand up from bed.
Helpful - 0
997898 tn?1303734864
hi norma
i had the occipital block done in nov. and it did help my symptoms connected with occipital neuropathy.  but for me, it was a painful procedure.  make sure you take the option of having them put you to sleep for the injections!!!!  not everyone has the same reaction that i did, but considering how it is done, i don't know how anyone could tolerate going thru that while awake!  my head is still sore where they did the injection!  my feeling, and my drs, is that it is a result of the 48 years of compression on my brain stem and the permanent neurological damage that caused...ie  my nerves are screwed up and sending/receiving the wrong signals.  while i am not ready to have another block at this point, as i want to see if the pain at the injection site will go away or at least diminish some, i will def. have another one if the pain gets to the point it was prior to the injection.  for that was far worse than the injection site pain!
good luck and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
elizabeth
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I, too, seem to have the "un-relenting" headache....it comes and goes, varying between a "2" and "10+".  I've tried Depakote (IV Push), Pamelor, Topomax, Fioricet, Imitrex, Maxalt....with little success.  Right now, my pain management NL has me on Meloxicam  and Tizanidine....with some, very limited, success.  My next visit next week I'm scheduled for an Occipital Nerve Block.  I'm excited to try this and I'll post how it works (for me, anyway!).  Good luck with whatever path you decide to take....I can SO appreciate where you're coming from....;)
Helpful - 0
1435895 tn?1304291241
I havent had this issue.... at least not yet!  I will be interested to know how it works if you decide to have it done.  Keep us posted.  

Did you get relief from other symptoms?

Pam
Helpful - 0
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