Key Warning Signs Of Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia occurs when there's an injury or inflammation of the occipital nerves. These nerves run from the scalp through the top of the spinal cord. When there's damage or inflammation to the nerves, affected individuals may experience headache pain at the base of their skulls or the back of their head. Occipital neuralgia is often confused with other headaches, like migraines, since the symptoms tend to be similar. However, migraines and occipital neuralgia are treated very differently. Because of this, it's important for individuals to get the correct diagnosis so they can get the correct treatment as well. Occipital neuralgia may be caused by injury, tightness in the muscles, inflammation, or a number of medical conditions, including osteoarthritis, cervical disc disease, neck tumors, infections, diabetes, gout, and inflammation of the blood vessels.

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Throbbing And Burning Pain

Throbbing and burning pain is characteristic of occipital neuralgia. In the majority of cases, the pain will begin at the base of the head and then move upward until it reaches the scalp. There may also be continuous aching pain. At intermittent intervals, patients might experience sudden shooting and shocking pain. Because the pain is very similar to what many individuals experience during a migraine or cluster headache, they may not realize they're dealing with a different condition. The throbbing pain can sometimes be alleviated by using a percutaneous nerve block. These blocks are used with the occipital nerves. They may also be used with the C3 or C2 ganglion nerves, depending on the patient.

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Light Sensitivity

Light sensitivity, otherwise known as photophobia, occurs when an individual can't tolerate light. When related to occipital neuralgia, light sensitivity tends to occur alongside a headache. It typically goes away once occipital neuralgia has been resolved or pain-relieving treatment has been administered. Light sensitivity can be related to a number of light sources, with some of the most common including incandescent light, fluorescent light, and sunlight. When an individual is light sensitive, light sources tend to hurt their eyes. They make them feel uncomfortable, and patients might also have to close their eyes or squint. The level of light sensitivity will vary depending on the person. Some individuals might have only mild sensitivity, in which they struggle with sunlight and bright artificial light. Others may experience symptoms with any light source and level of brightness.

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