Nerve blocks for headache and nerve pain

What is a nerve block?

A nerve block is an injection of medication close to a nerve or group of nerves to provide temporary pain relief. For headache, the most common type is the occipital nerve block: the occipital nerves start in the upper neck and run along the back of the head, and an injection near them can calm the pain signals they carry.

At INPM, nerve blocks use a local anesthetic, with or without a corticosteroid. The anesthetic calms the pain signals; the corticosteroid, when added, reduces inflammation.

Which nerve blocks does INPM offer?

Which conditions does it treat?

Occipital nerve blocks are used for occipital neuralgia, migraine, cluster headache, cervicogenic headache (pain that starts in the neck) and headache after whiplash injury. Median nerve blocks are used for carpal tunnel syndrome, and nerve blocks are also part of INPM’s care for neuropathy.

• Migraine and headacheMigraine specialist care from neurologists in Walnut Creek and Vallejo, CA: symptoms, when to see a doctor, diagnosis and treatment options. By referral.Learn more about Migraine and headache
• NeuralgiaDiagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, occipital neuralgia and other nerve pain in the face and head, at INPM in Walnut Creek and Vallejo, CA.Learn more about Neuralgia
• Concussion, post-concussion and whiplashA post-concussion doctor at INPM in Walnut Creek and Vallejo: care for concussion, lingering symptoms and whiplash, with testing and headache treatment.Learn more about Concussion, post-concussion and whiplash
• NeuropathyNeuropathy doctors and specialists at INPM in Walnut Creek and Vallejo: symptoms of nerve damage, in-office skin biopsy and autonomic testing, treatment.Learn more about Neuropathy

What happens during a session?

1. You sit with your head tilted forward, or lie face down.
2. Your clinician locates the nerve and cleans the skin.
3. The medication is injected near the nerve. The injection itself usually takes no more than five minutes.
4. You rest for 15 to 30 minutes before going home.

How long does the effect last?

When a block works, pain usually improves within 20 to 30 minutes. Relief can be variable and last for days to months, but the benefits usually persist for several weeks. Some conditions need a series of injections to get lasting relief.

What are the risks and side effects?

Occipital nerve blocks are generally safe. Common side effects are pain, redness or swelling where the needle went in. Some people feel dizzy or numb for a short time.

Less common risks include bleeding, fainting, infection, nerve injury and a temporary worsening of the headache. When a steroid is used, it can occasionally cause thinning of the skin or a small patch of hair loss at the injection site.

What is recovery like?

Most people go home after a short rest and return to their usual activities the same day. Call our office if you have concerns after the injection, such as signs of infection at the injection site or a headache that becomes much worse.