just diagnosed with occipital neuralgia.

I was just diagnosed with Occipital Neuralgia on Friday afternoon.  I am 22 years old and I have had a headache everyday for the past 97 days.  Nothing happened to make it start...I woke up one day with it and it has never gone away or lessened, only wavered between a 5-9 on the pain scale.  I have had so so many tests done and have not responded to any type of drug for migraines, which brought me to the St. Vincent Headache clinic in Indianapolis on Friday, January 29th 2010.  The neurologist recognized my pain as Occipital Neuralgia.
The more research I attempt the more I realize how little information is out there about this situation.
I am afraid to get the procedure, but even more afraid that it won't do anything.  Does anyone have any success stories or advise to give me?
I am reaching the end of my rope, trying to deal with the pain...

Brittany

[Dr Santos]

Hi Brittany,
How are you? If you are still unsure, you can have another opinion to confirm the diagnosis. With  occipital neuralgia treatment may be started with conservative measures first before doing invasive or surgical treatment. Treatment such as local nerve block, peripheral nerve stimulation, steroids,  phenol injections, and antidepressants. If these fail, microdecompression is considered. Talk to your doctor about these and discuss the benefits and risks associated with each treatment procedure. Knowing will also help you in control of the situation. Hang on and do keep us posted.