Occipital Nerve Blocks
Headache Treatment for a specific type of headache – occipital neuralgia (headaches arising from the back of the head)

Headache Treatment for a specific type of headache – occipital neuralgia (headaches arising from the back of the head)
An occipital nerve block is used to treat certain types of headaches by the injection of a steroid solution into the tissues around the occipital nerves located over the back of the head.
No specific preparation is needed.
The actual injection only takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Several injections will be made into the soft tissue on the back of the head just above the neck area using a very small needle.
A type of steroid called depo-medrol combined with marcaine (a local anesthetic agent).
Depo-medrol is a type of a steroid known as a corticosteroid. These compounds have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. They can be injected into localized areas of inflammation to decrease pain and swelling.
There is some minor discomfort involved. The procedure involves inserting a needle through skin and deeper tissues.
You may want to apply ice to the injected area. You can perform any activity you can tolerate.