Occipital Nerve Block

Many people with chronic headaches located around a specific area of the head may be experiencing an irritation of the occipital nerve. This is called occipital neuralgia.

This nerve is located near the base of the skull. Chronic irritation or inflammation of this nerve can result in chronic headaches. An occipital nerve block can help with this pain. A small amount of local anesthetic (numbing medication) and a steroid (anti-inflammatory) is injected around this nerve.

Patient guidelines (PDF)

Procedure overview (PDF)