Occipital neuralgia is a rare neuropathic pain disorder affecting the greater, lesser, or third occipital nerves. It causes sudden, sharp, electric shock-like pain in the back of the head and upper neck.
Because its symptoms may resemble migraine or cervicogenic headache, careful neurological assessment is essential. Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and may be supported by imaging and diagnostic nerve blocks.
Treatment may include physiotherapy, medications for neuropathic pain, occipital nerve blocks, radiofrequency procedures, neuromodulation, or surgery in carefully selected cases.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.