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

[pamk5]

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

[actressmouse]

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 (topamax), 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....;)

[n40066]

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