**occipital neuralgia** is a type of headache....the pain starts from the top of the neck or the back of the head and spreads from the back to the eyes and scalp. Damage to the occipital nerves may lead to occipital headaches.. This type of headache can have similar symptoms to other types.. This condition often affects people with migraines.... Occipital neuralgia occurs due to irritation, inflammation, or damage to the occipital nerves that pass through the scalp... Occipital neuralgia differs from other types of headaches in that: - the cause of the complication - Painful parts - Type of pain Occipital neuralgia occurs due to irritation or damage to the occipital nerves. There are three occipital nerves in the second and third vertebrae of the neck. Nerves move upwards from the spine to the scalp on each side. Sensitivity may occur at any point along this path. Other causes of headaches in this area include: - sinus infection - tension - High blood pressure - use of certain drugs - Migraine Sometimes people who suffer from this condition rarely feel only a headache....In fact, occipital neuralgia may contribute to the feeling of constant pain in the head and neck area. If a person has pain in the head and neck area for 15 days or more in a month, the doctor diagnoses UHNP. The main symptoms of occipital neuralgia Headache caused by occipital neuralgia causes a very painful feeling for the patient....Patients feel the pain intermittently or throbbing....This condition can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. There is also the possibility of continued throbbing pain, burning or pain.. The feeling of pain often spreads from the neck to the skull and moves upwards and may affect these areas: - above the neck - return - behind the ear - One side of the head - Scalp (especially the part where the occipital nerves are connected to each other) - behind the eyes in the affected area It is also possible to create such cases: - sensitivity to light - Sensitivity to touch and pain - Feeling back and front pain for a few seconds to a few minutes - Severe attacks of pain and prolonged pain Usually, even small movements can trigger or aggravate the pain, for example: - Turning the head to the other side - combing or washing hair - putting the head on the pillow The feeling of pain can be very intense. The cause of occipital neuralgia This condition occurs when the occipital nerve is irritated, inflamed, or trapped.. Many factors can play a role in creating such conditions. ### damage or injury Injury to the neck area can damage the nerves and lead to back pain. ### muscular problems Tight muscles in the neck and back of the head sometimes compress or trap the occipital nerves, eventually leading to occipital neuralgia. Other conditions are as follows: - neck arthritis - Nerve compression in the cervical spine, for example following degenerative disc disease - tumor creation - Gout - Diabetes - infection - Inflammation of blood vessels Treatment of occipital neuralgia Such treatment options can help a person control the pain and problems associated with occipital neuralgia: - Using a warm compress - Massage therapy - Physiotherapy - to rest - Use of non-prescription anti-inflammatory drugs These mentioned items can help relieve the pain or relax the muscles that put pressure on the occipital nerves.. Many people with occipital neuralgia have migraines. Read more: trigeminal neuralgia or trigeminal neuralgia ### prescription of injectable drugs If home remedies don't help, your doctor may prescribe the following: - Injection into beads - Injection to trigger points - Injection of muscle relaxants Injections may help reduce inflammation or pain, and sometimes both. A few examples of injectable drugs are as follows: - nerve block injection - Botox - Corticosteroids It should be noted that injection into the vertebrae is a relatively invasive method.. This treatment method is only performed for the patient if no other treatment method is effective. Another important point to know is that these injections do not cure occipital neuralgia and this condition may recur after a few months. ### Surgery If the patient has severe pain and it affects the quality of life, finally surgery is suggested, including occipital nerve stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, etc.