I Suffer From Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital Neuralgia Treatment

Occipital Neuralgia is a medical disorder that presents with piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like chronic, aching pain in the upper neck, back of the head and behind the ears. Though mostly manifesting as head pain or upper neck pain, occipital neuralgia pain will sometimes present in the forehead, behind the eyes, or in the scalp. Occipital Neuralgia is usually unilateral, meaning it is only on one side of the head.

At the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic, we have seen countless Occipital Neuralgia sufferers and use world-class techniques in identifying whether the neck and brainstem is the cause of the occipital neuralgia symptoms.

Once we commence with treatment, we expect a significant improvement to occur rapidly in 90% of our patients with Occipital Neuralgia and within the first 5 treatment consultations. Book today for an appointment for your non-medicated and non-invasive Occipital Neuralgia treatment.

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Understanding your Headache

Occipital Neuralgia and its symptoms

With Occipital Neuralgia, the areas that are affected are directly associated with the areas innervated and supplied by the greater and lesser occipital nerves. These Occipital Nerves are the nerves that supply your brain with the information regarding sensation and pain, from the back of the head. This means that all sensation in the back of the head, neck and ears are reported to your brain via the Occipital Nerve.

Sufferers of Occipital Neuralgia are often extremely hypersensitive and report that slight stimuli, such as touching the neck, or the back of the head, can cause painful attacks. Some of these attacks last as little as seconds, or as long as minutes.

Sometimes the sensation can feel like:

• A sharp jab
• An electric shock
• Chronic pain in the upper part of the neck, back of the head and behind the ears

It is not uncommon for Occipital Neuralgia sufferers to go undiagnosed for long periods of time or even misdiagnosed, as the symptoms presented can be similar to those of Migraine Headaches. One key differentiating factor between Occipital Neuralgia and Migraine is the length of episodes of pain.

All you need to know about Occipital Neuralgia

Understanding Your Headache

What is the cause of Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital Neuralgia has many causes, as the Occipital Nerves are one of the largest nerve structures supplying the head and neck. A common cause is the disruption of signals, causing the nerve to malfunction and produce pain signals when the touch sensation is activated.

Occipital Neuralgia may be the result of damage to the Occipital Nerve from surgery, brain lesions, stroke, or even trauma inflicted to the head and neck. Other nerve disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis can have a damaging effect on the Myelin Sheathing, which covers the nerve, and can cause Occipital Neuralgia.

How is Occipital Neuralgia Diagnosed?

Occipital neuralgia is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Healthcare providers inquire about symptoms, triggers, and perform gentle palpation to identify areas of tenderness during the physical exam.

Imaging studies like MRI or CT scans may be ordered to rule out other causes of pain. Medical practitioners will commonly use a “nerve block”, where a local anaesthetic is injected into the occipital nerves to block pain messages from the spinal cord to the brain. Use of an occipital nerve block can temporarily relieve pain and aid in confirming the diagnosis.

It’s essential to differentiate occipital neuralgia from other conditions like migraines or cervical spine disorders, which share similar symptoms. It is crucial that patients consult with a healthcare provider to accurately diagnose occipital neuralgia and appropriately manage its symptoms.

With proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plans, individuals experiencing occipital neuralgia or other headache disorders can find relief and improve their overall wellbeing.

Once you have been diagnosed, Brisbane Headache & Migraine clinic can develop personalised treatment plans based on your specific issues, focusing on alleviating symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Organise Your Initial Assessment

About The Assessment Stage

What To Expect During The Assessment

1. Comprehensive and in-depth examination

We instigate an in-depth assessment to identify all possible related factors that could be causing your headaches or migraines. The upper cervical spine, in particular, is thoroughly examined to identify possible issues.

2. Ligamental stability and vertebral arterial tests

We undertake careful examination of neck ligaments and vertebral arteries, ensuring only the highest standards of patient safety and comfort.

3. Temporarily reproduce your headache and migraine symptoms

As a part of the treatment process, we apply gentle and selective stress to the upper cervical spine in order to reproduce headache symptoms, which subside after 20-30 seconds. This helps to identify and treat the cause of your headaches.

All you need to know about Occipital Neuralgia

Anatomy of the Occipital Nerve

The Occipital Nerve is actually a group of nerves that arise from between the second and third cervical vertebrae (C2/C3) interact with each other.The Greater Occipital Nerve innervates the semispinalis capitis muscle, as well as the scalp.

The Lesser Occipital Nerve innervates the scalp and behind the ears. The Third Occipital Nerve, also referred to as the Least Occipital Nerve innervates the semispinalis capitis muscle, a small area below the base of the skull, and the C2/C3 zygapophyseal joints.

Vascular causes of occipital nerve irritation

• Irritation of the C1/C2 nerve roots by an aberrant branch of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery

• Dural arteriovenous fistula at the cervical level

• Bleeding from a bulbocervical cavernomas

• Cervical intramedullar cavernous hemangioma

• Giant cell arteritis

• Fenestrated vertebral artery pressing on C1/C2 nerve roots

• Aberrant course of the vertebral artery

Neurogenic causes of occipital nerve irritation

• Schwannoma in the area of the craniocervical junction: schwannoma of occipital nerve

• C2 myelitis

• Multiple sclerosis

Osteogenic causes of occipital nerve irritation

• C1/C2 arthrosis, atlantodental sclerosis

• Hypermobile C1 posterior arch

• Cervical osteochondroma

• Osteolytic lesion of the cranium

• Exuberant callus formation after C1/C2 fracture

How is Occipital Neuralgia treated?

Treating Occipital Neuralgia

There is currently a very wide array of options for patients looking to treat occipital neuralgia. Some occipital neuralgia medications and treatment options include:

• Over-the-counter painkillers
• Strong anticonvulsant/antispasmodic medications
• Steroid injections
• Botox injections
• Occipital Nerve Stimulation
• Surgical treatment (such as occipital release surgery)

These are some of the ways in which Occipital Neuralgia sufferers have attempted to rid themselves of the chronic headaches and painful attacks. In some cases, these ways can alleviate the symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia, however, despite utilising these treatment options, some sufferers may still find themselves having painful attacks. In some cases, certain surgical treatment options may carry the risk of permanent scalp numbness.

If you are someone that feels like you’ve tried everything, have you had your neck assessed? Or, more importantly, have you had your brainstem evaluated in order to investigate the CAUSE of your symptoms, rather than simply masking them?

At the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic, we have seen countless Occipital Neuralgia sufferers and use world-class techniques in identifying whether the neck and brainstem is at fault.

A thorough examination of the upper cervical spine is initiated to determine the severity of your sensitised brainstem.

Once treatment commences we expect a significant improvement to occur rapidly in 90% of our patients with Occipital Neuralgia and within the first 5 treatment consultations.

If you suffer from Occipital Neuralgia, or if you think it sounds like your symptoms and medication has given you no significant relief, then we believe that you should have a thorough examination of your neck and brainstem.

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4.9

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Brisbane Headache & Migraine Clinic

4.9

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Alexander Fox

1732171964

Fantastic results after years of migraine issues. Can't Thank Mattias and the team enough

saturn

1725844749

Saturn Choung

1725844713

Amanda Boechat

1721201290

Extremely good service

Sean Smith

1715927603

I have been getting treatment for a couple of weeks now from this clinic with Mattias, and although the sessions are... expensive and I was initially unsure of how success they would be, I have to say that it has been worth it there has been such a significant improvement in my headaches so far. Their techniques seem to be working and my tension headaches have almost completely gone and when I do get them they are noticeably less intense or they don’t last as long. Hoping that with continued sessions this will be the end of my headaches.read more

Christina Shrestha

1712115105

Very good service

Glen Kaminski

1710832695

Helped greatly with cluster headaches.

Roberts Štops

1710226636

Professional treatment

Lauren Newby

1708471683

Cindy Licastro

1707436321

I would recommend to anyone who suffers from migraines to give Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic a go.I have gone... from having in average a migraine a week to less than one every 2-3 months. My migraines are from a neck/ shoulder injury.My first initial appointment with practitioner Mattias McAndrew made me feel he understood my concerns/issues. Which is extremely important and worked out an unusual therapy for me! It given me a renewed interest in life. I am achieving new heights and experiences from the results of my visits.Would highly recommend.read more

Samantha

1707177763

Mattias has been fantastic! I have had debilitating migraines for years and this treatment is the only thing that has... ever helped. My migraines have almost halved since the start of treatment!read more

Keryn Masters

1706853762

Fantastic expertise and service, highly recommend, they have restored my quality of life and health. Very grateful.

Rohani Mitchell

1705635496

I have recommended this clinic to multiple people. I was experiencing daily headaches and migraines when I first came... to see Matthias, and now only get them only once or twice a month, or not at all. Very grateful.read more

Alix Leeming

1705631266

Had migraines almost daily. Have only had 1 migraine since seeing Jenny in October. 10/10 would recommend

Alberto Gomez

1705630266

I used to suffer from migraines at least twice a month and thanks to Piumi H. they have receded to only one per... quarter. If you suffer migraines you should try it, they will evaluate if the treatment will work for you and after 3 sessions you can start to see results.read more

Samuel Cox

1705564118

I have been seeing Dr. Woo for about 6 months now and he has been helping me manage my migraines fantastically.I used... to get on average 2 migraines a month, now I have gone 4 months with no migraines.The cause of my migraines was very quickly diagnosed and its clear the team here prioritise the goal of self management, not the reliance on medication and continuous appointments.Can recommend to anyone who suffers from Chronic Migraines, it may well be a life changer for you.read more

Rebecca Sheraton

1705560439

Very helpful. Compassionate and great at managing my condition of vestibular migraines and vertigo.

Gina Kearney

1705539076

Douglas is great. Very caring and helpful.

Rammari

1705454228

Megan Rollman

1705039515

I have been attending Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic for over a year and Mattias has really helped me. The... occurrence and severity of my migraines and aura attacks have greatly reduced. I no longer have to take days off work to recover.read more

Gayle Roberts

1703149791

Katy Pearce

1703146782

Jenny has been incredibly helpful with my neck pain and headaches.I’ve been to other physios for the same thing with... no result.Highly recommend the team here.read more

Nathan Wrench

1700037865

I've had migraines weekly for over 10 years with no real relief from any prescription medication or help from medical... practitioners, until i saw Dr Mattias. He has been an incredible help in finding the reason behind my migraines and is now in the process of fixing them.I would highly recommend giving Brisbane Migraine and Headache Clinic if you are suffering from any sort of mirgaines.read more

Lachlan Chaffey

1700034230

I would highly recommend Brisbane Headache & Migraine Clinic to anyone seeking a life free from headaches and... medication Practitioner Mattias McAndrew and the reception staff are very professional and accommodating to patient needs as I live out of Brisbane right from when I contacted them through www.brisbanemigraine.com.au and most importantly have made a huge difference to my migraines which has also made me feel like getting back into living and enjoying life. Thank you to all the team at Brisbane Headache & Migraine Clinic.read more

Sinead Prince

1698486128

I was suffering from a terrible cluster headache period and upon my very first treatment with Piumi, I haven't had a... single headache reaching the same 10/10 pain again. It's been two weeks and multiple sessions, but I have my life back already and am treating my headaches with either caffeine or aspirin. I go several days without them now and I cannot thank Piumi enough.read more

Leisa Burdette

1698135320

When I first met Piumi at the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic I was experiencing a cocktail of god awful symptoms... like constant head pain + pressure, that included feeling dizzy, disconnected and a roaring/static sensations in the head, to the point where it made me tired and often times nauseous. I couldn't focus which made it very difficult for me to work or do day-to-day tasks. By the time I found the clinic I'd had MRI, CT's, seen Neurologists and other specialist.So you can imagine just how RELIEVED I was to find something that worked........ and worked really rather quickly. I'm so grateful to see that all my nasty symptoms have now been kicked to the curb!I'm no longer weighed down, I'm so much happier and back to working full time.And can I say......Piumi listened !! so many of the medical profession only half listened or just presumed things. Piumi just took it all in, heard all the details of MY experience and treated MY situation with individual care.I can't tell you how good it feels to be back to normal.So don't think about it... GO... try it...... you'll be as happy as I am that you did. No more pain, no more despair. Live againread more

Rebecca Agius

1687496085

From the get-go I've found the staff at Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic to be really understanding and... professional. I flew from Rockhampton in search of answers after nine years of intensive tension headaches, Migraine, and nausea that have been ruling my life. After both a Neurologist and Neurosurgeon reached the end of their skill-sets and gave up on me in the past year I googled and found Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic and decided to give them a go. Piumi was very professional and compassionate for what I've been going through and she believed me when I told her that I think it's all coming from my neck. She was able to very gently recreate the pain to determine that she had found the source of the headaches. She performed a treatment on me in that first appointment and for the first time in nearly a decade, I was headache free for weeks on end, with the occasional day here and there that I needed pain relief in the weeks after that. Since there are no practitioners of the technique needed to treat my neck in my hometown, Piumi has been willing to work closely with a Physio closer to my home in between times when I can make it to Brisbane for treatment with her, for which I am truly grateful! It's no exaggeration to say that meeting Piumi and the team at Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic has changed my life infinitely for the better. Thank you so much for everything! Beck Agiusread more

Niecky

1687343777

Highly recommend! I have been seeing Piumi to work on the headaches I've been dealing with for a while and she is an... amazing and caring practitioner! It improved within the first few sessions which has helped a lot! It was good to hear the details about what's been causing my headaches and getting the proper treatment and advice.read more

Shalyn Rye

1687241718

Could not recommend this clinic or Dr. Piumi enough. For the last few years (about 4) I have suffered from painful,... chronic tension headaches & migraines affecting my vision, causing nausea and if you suffer from them you know how much they take away from your life. I have cried tears of happiness with the appreciation I have for Dr. Piumi & how she has helped me gain my life back after only 4-5 appointments! I now only have one headache maybe once a week or two that quickly finish. Which in comparison to previously, mine would last for hours, days, sometimes even a week. I could even go to sleep & wake up with the same one no matter what I tried. I exhausted all my options before coming here & I wish I went sooner! You will not regret coming here. They will change your life.read more

Mike Rowland

1686806324

Migraine suffer since I can remember, haven't had results like I have here. Mattias McAndrew out of Spring Hill has... explained things much clearer than others in the past, and the treatments make total sense and have worked fantastically so far. Massive recommend.read more

Rodney Wallis

1686262753

Absolutely astounded with the results of Piumi Herath treatment. I was having migraines on an average of one every... month for about . 20 years. Piumis manipulation treatment really produced the positive results I was looking for. No pharmacy drug has ever matched Piumi's treatment. My last migraine was in mid January. It is now mid June. On a lighter note, I have nicknamed Piumi, ASPRO.Thanks ASPRO for a job well done and relieved me of the debilitating effects of crippling migraines.read more

Candice Delofski

1685873253

Working with Piumi these last few months has been amazing.I have suffered with Migraines and incapacitating headaches... for the last 10+ years. I had started to believe that I would never work a normal week.Through weekly, then fortnightly appointments she has assisted me with learning stretches, desensitisation and minor adjustments.It’s this combo that has taken my migraines from daily, to weekly.It’s been a change that has allowed me to be consistent with my work, and to become more involved in my family.If you are interested in a non- drug relief option, I highly suggest giving this clinic a try!read more

Lisa Bird

1685410304

I have Occipital Neuralgia ( chronic pain and headaches daily). It is a very difficult condition to treat and after... multiple treatments, procedures and seeing many physiotherapists, I have finally found a clinic that has given me some relief. Some relief is huge to me. I felt an instant feeling of being in good hands following my first appointment. I saw Mattais, he was thorough, professional, knowledgeable and best of all empathetic. He was also the first professional to explain to me why i have facial pain and how to manage my tense painful jaw.I travel about 4 hrs in total to see him so he must be good. The receptionists are lovely and you are made to feel very welcome at the clinic, it's a great team environment and i am very appreciative of all their help.read more

Heather Dale

1682327426

From my first viewing of the BHMC website to my rehabilitation stage, I have been so impressed! With my background as a... Physiotherapist, I knew what I was looking for but my treatment has surpassed expectations. My goal to become migraine free now seems possible. I have been a compliant patient during my treatment program in order to maximize the outcome. From the friendly, competent administration staff using efficient systems to the amazing knowledge & skills of Mattias, this Clinic provides an essential service to migraine sufferers. I highly recommend it!read more

Christine Cansfield-Smith

1680144888

I was very impressed with the professionalism of the BHMC. Prior to my visit (and we travelled from Victoria for the... treatment) the staff were helpful and friendly. We recommend the Clinic just for the high level of customer service...even before the treatment! Piumi Herath was wonderful and very efficient. She was a delight to see each visit. I was only able to have 6 treatments over two weeks but I feel so much better already. I do believe that my migraines and headaches are on the way to being cured permanently. Thank you so much to all at BHMC!read more

Chloe White

1677274656

My life has turned around since I started to see Ariel. She was quick to located the root of my discomfort and told me... exactly how she could fix it. Flash forward 8 months and I only have to go in for maintenance appointments and have no migraines anymore. I can’t recommend her and the team at Brisbane Migraine Clinics enoughread more

Jenny

1675374210

Weekly debilitating migraines were starting to really affect my quality of life. After the very first treatment with... Ariel I felt relief and have continued to improve. Would highly recommend her as a caring, understanding and very experienced practitioner and cannot thank her enough for discovering the cause of my migraines. So grateful for the support of Ariel.read more

Joh Embrey

1674795331

Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic has been an absolute life saver for me. When I came in I was suffering from... frequent and debilitating headaches and migraines. The staff are very friendly here and Mattias the head practitioner is very good at what he does. I am now about 3 weeks headache free when previously they were daily. Highly recommend to anyone suffering from headaches. I’d also recommend the pillow as this has helped dramatically. I found it very uncomfortable at first, but now I can’t sleep without and I don’t wake up with a headache or stiff neck anymore.read more

Vicky Bautista

1671535003

I've been suffering from chronic headaches for a long time. Then we found this clinic and met Douglas. Usually my... headaches last a week, but when I started my treatments with Douglas my headaches have improved. He found what was causing my headaches and worked towards fixing it the root. I really recommend Douglas and their clinic!read more

susan grech

1667434025

Really happy to recommend the Clinic and Piumi to anyone who is experiencing migraines. My condition has really... improved in the 6 weeks I have been attending the Clinic, and Piumi is a very knowledgeable and caring practitioner.read more

Tiffany Morris

1666846174

After suffering monthly (sometimes more often) migraines for 15+ years that would keep me from school/work, I saw a... billboard and decided to try Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic.After seeing Ariel for my initial round of treatment and continue to attend once every 4/5 months, I have had 1 migraine in that time (right at the start of the treatment).Ariel is amazing and recommend her and the Brisbane Migraine Clinic very highly!read more

Hyatt Narsh

1666235937

Ariel has done wonders for my migraines and I can’t be more happy with the results! So professional and welcoming.... Recommend their services and Ariel to everyone!read more

Cheryl-lee Morgan

1665826410

My son was suffering badly with severe migraines causing nausea, vomiting and excessive pain multiple times a week. ... From the very first session he began to notice some relief. After a month of treatment he has been and remains now 4 months down the track migraine free. Can not recommend Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic and Douglas Woo enough to anyone seeking help for a long term medication free solution! Absolutely fantastic!read more

Amy Wallace

1664617061

I have had migraines for more than 10 years. Since going to the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic, my migraines... have reduced in frequency, duration, and intensity. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. In addition to their treatment, they are also able to give you tools to help manage your migraines between appointments.read more

J.A. Montgomery

1664616837

David Appleby has a caring, gentle manner yet is knowledgeable, competent and open minded. He has a wholistic approach... in that he looks at your whole life and habits – stress, sleeping habits and position, posture, fitness, everything and I think having this multi-pronged approach to tackle serious issues like migraines and vertigo is crucial. There seems to be a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding the whole vertigo/migraine biso. I don’t get full-blown debilitating headaches but have had the weird zigzaggy visual aura that often goes hand in hand with migraines. And I have experienced the frightening vertigo that really stopped me in my tracks. I learned from David how important one’s neck and brainstem are and several bad habits (hunching over computer, phone, and while reading) over many years can trigger or exacerbate serious issues like vertigo. He helped me to change several of my bad habits and to protect my neck at all times with a simple exercise that I now do faithfully. The first time I had a full-blown bout of vertigo I was so scared and worried it might be something I’d have to live with and part of getting old, and now I have my mojo back and know I can stay on top of my balance and health by ensuring I continue with a few basic things that David taught me. I am starting a new chapter in my life now that I am retired and I still have a lot of living to do so I am thrilled to be feeling confident that I will be able to travel, cycle, kayak, ski, dance, play pickleball, try jiujitsu and anything else that takes my fancy. Instead of slowing down and having my world become smaller and allowing fear to stop me, I know now there is a lot I can do to control and steer my own future. Thank you, David, for helping me to work out what I need to do! Every client reading this … listen to David, do your homework religiously, and be confident you can get your life back again.read more

Lori Cousland

1664430513

David is extremely professional, knowledgeable, and approachable.I had been suffering with shoulder, neck, skull,... head pain, and headaches constantly for years.Eventually I ended up in an emergency ward with vomiting, unable to communicate and walk and no vision. I spent the night in hospital with a tick from the Drs that I had suffered a migraine and good luck in the future.Pain medication hadn’t worked for years. I was exhausted physically and mentally from the daily battle of pain.Within a couple of visits of seeing David my brain-fog and daily pain dramatically decreased whilst my memory, speech, and general daily tasks and mood improved.I’ve tried many other therapies over many years.This is, by far, the only one that has worked for me.I can not recommend David any more highly.On top of that he’s just an all round nice guy.Thank you for giving me my life back.read more

Jann Osborne

1664076341

After years of trying chiropractors, acupuncture and normal physio to get rid of my headaches and fatigue, I was... finally recommended to the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic. I have been seeing Matthias at Spring Hill who has done marvels! I am off the heavy medications, my fatigue has gone and any headaches are manageable and the number significantly reduced. I would highly recommend the team at BHMC.read more

amandeep Kaur

1663722635

Before I started going to this migraine clinic , I had a incredibly painful migraine. I tried so many medicines but... nothing helped . One day , I saw this migraine clinic and then I started going to there to get a treatment from Dr Douglas Woo. After some time of treatment , my migraine is reduced by a lot. I have gotten the best results from this clinic.read more

Travis Brousseau

1662370488

I can honestly say Mattias and the Team were great to deal with and really helped reduced the frequency and intensity... of my headaches. It was refreshing to deal with a clinic that specialises in this condition opposed to doing many other concentrations. Highly recommended.read more

Katja Charters

1661846479

Effective, personalised and caring treatment. Recommended.