Greater, and Lesser Occipital Nerve Block

• Purpose of Procedure  – To reduce headache in the back of the head.

• Procedure Overview – Irritation of the nerve can lead to headache.  Injection is both diagnostic and for treatment.

• Procedure Details – In the office you will lie on belly, or sit up in a chair with your forehead on the table.  The area in the back of the head will be cleansed. A small needle is then used to block the nerve.  An anesthetic, and a steroid are usually used.  The injection usually takes less than a minute.

• Before the Procedure – The physician will examine for the area of tenderness. There is no need to hold any medications you may be taking.

• After the Procedure –  The anesthetic will usually have effect for a few hours, and the steroid will have effect starting in a few days.  Occasionally pain is increased for a few days before it gets better.  Icing the area for 20 minutes per hour can reduce post injection tenderness.

• Procedure Risks – Potential, but unlikely risks  include elevated blood sugars, rash, itching, weight gain, extra energy, soreness at the site of injection, bleeding.