Abstract
Occipital neuralgia (ON) is an uncommon cause of headache, and it is characterized
by a stabbing paroxysmal pain that radiates to the occipital region. The present study
includes a review of the literature and a case report. The etiology of this pathology
can vary from traumas, infections, compressions of nerves or vertebrae, skull base
surgeries, to degenerative changes and congenital anomalies. However, most of the
time, the etiology is considered idiopathic. The diagnosis is essentially clinical.
However, it is crucial that other types of primary headache are excluded. The treatment
for ON may be based on nerve blocks, medications or surgeries. Neurectomy of the second
spinal nerve is among the surgical techniques available.
Keywords
neurectomy - occipital neuralgia - headache
