Occipital Nerve Block
A targeted injection to the occipital nerves at the base of the skull, providing rapid relief for chronic migraines, occipital neuralgia, and cluster headaches.
What Is Occipital Nerve Block?
An occipital nerve block is an injection of a local anesthetic and steroid into the occipital nerves at the back of the head. These nerves run from the top of the spinal cord through the scalp and are a common source of headache and migraine pain. The injection numbs these nerves and reduces inflammation, providing significant relief.
How It Works
The occipital nerves emerge from the cervical spine and travel through the muscles at the back of the skull. When these nerves become irritated or compressed, they generate pain that radiates over the scalp. An occipital nerve block interrupts these pain signals and reduces the inflammation driving the headache cycle.
Positioning
You sit or lie face down. The injection site at the back of the head is cleaned.
Injection
Using a small needle, the physician injects anesthetic and steroid around the greater and lesser occipital nerves.
Recovery
You rest briefly. Most patients notice relief within hours. The procedure takes under 10 minutes.
Conditions It Treats
Why Choose DVPSI?
DVPSI physicians perform occipital nerve blocks at all three locations for patients with chronic migraines, occipital neuralgia, and cervicogenic headaches. Dr. Todd Bromberg has specialized expertise in headache management and performs hundreds of nerve blocks each year.
- Same-week appointments available for acute headache patients
- Performed in-office, no surgery center required
- Covered by most major insurance plans
- Can be repeated as needed for ongoing headache control
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions from our patients.
Ready to find relief?
Our board-certified specialists are ready to evaluate whether Occipital Nerve Block is right for you. Same-week appointments available.