The role of occipital nerve block with ultrasound guidance in occipital neuralgia cases

Abstract

Introduction. Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a well-known cause of headache that affecting the posterior head at the occipital nerve(s) distribution. It is a multiple-factor clinical condition resulting from the pathology of the greater, lesser or third occipital nerve. Interventional therapy, such as occipital nerve block (ONB), is one of the various modalities that could be normally considered when the conservative wasn’t satisfying. Besides as effective treatment, ONB also used as an important diagnostic procedure for occipital neuralgia. Content. Currently, there is no a complete consensus among practitioners regarding the optimal therapy for occipital neuralgia although many modalities offered. ONB traditionally performed with blinded approach relying on anatomic landmarks create the higher risks of injection in the occipital artery and/or block failure. Therefore, ONB with ultrasound guidance becomes solution to improve the safety and efficacy of therapy especially in occipital neuralgia cases. Conclusion. Occipital nerve block with ultrasound guidance is recommended as primary interventional therapy for occipital neuralgia cases.