This article covers generally information about occipital neuralgia surgery, types of surgery, what one may expect before, during, and after the surgical process, and considerations one may want to make when choosing whether surgery is right for you.”
Knowledge of Occipital Neuralgia
Extreme pain in the back of the head, coupled with headache nerves and to the sides inclusive of the entire neck and shoulders, define an incapacitating disorder called occipital neuralgia. It causes compressive or irritation of the occipital nerves, which start from the neck and reach the quiet head area. Usually on one side of the head, one could have a really severe acute knife-like pain. Along with them can be a wide spectrum of other upsetting events like discomfort brought on by sound, light, or even a light touch.
When would one consider surgery for occipital neuralgia?
Your doctor could suggest surgery if conservative treatments including injections, physical therapy, and medications have been attempted and the discomfort still exists. When the pain may be regarded as acute, paralyzing, and conservative treatment provides no relief, Surgery for Occipital Neuralgia is typically advised. If you have already tried other surgical alternatives, including nerve blocks or trigger point injections, and they have not given long-lasting relief, your doctor could advise surgery for neuralgia at the occipital level.
Read more about: What to Ask Your Surgeon Before Occipital Neuralgia Surgery?
Preference Before Surgery
Your doctor will carefully assess you before your migraine surgery to advise on the best surgical intervention for your ailment. Imaging for areas of nerve compression can occasionally be performed using either a CT scan or MRI. Your doctor might advise seeing a neurosurgeon or pain management specialist to go over probable risks and advantages of surgery and create a treatment plan specifically appropriate for the patient.
Operations for Occipital Neuralgia Types
There are various forms of occipital neuralgia surgery, including:
1. Percutaneous Occipital Nerve Stimulator PONS
In this procedure, a battery-powered generator that sends electrical stimulation to the occipital nerve is implanted under the skin. The gadget is positioned close to the base of the skull; additional changes depending on pain relief might be done for best stimulation. PONS just takes a little skin incision since it is less invasive. Patients who would choose a non-surgical approach or who have failed prior therapies are generally candidates for this one.
2. Occipital Nerve Decompression Migraine
This operation removes bone or soft tissue compressing the occipital nerves so reducing pressure on them. Usually, it is carried out with a little incision at the rear of the head. Patients with a clear anatomical etiology of their occipital neuralgia such as a herniated disc or a bone spur often explore occipital nerve decompression.
3. An injection of the occipital nerve
Though not a surgical operation, this entails the injection of drugs into the occipital nerves, where brief pain alleviation is supplied. Both diagnostically for occipital neuralgia and to ascertain whether surgery is needed for the same, occipital nerve injections can be performed. In circumstances of extreme and incapacitating pain, they might also be utilized as a bridge to surgery.
What Should One Expect Both Before and After Surgery?
Usually under general anesthesia, occipital neuralgia surgery is done. The operation requires several hours. You will visit a recovery room following the surgery and then be led to a hospital room.
Individual situations and the type of operation determine the recovery period. Some patients may feel concurrent potential discomfort and edema of the operated area. Regarding wound care and pain management for you, your doctor will have certain post-operative guidelines.
Conclusion
If you are thinking about the surgery of occipital neuralgia, it would be recommended to discuss available choices with your doctor and balance the prospective advantages over the risk. After getting suitable treatment and rehabilitation from occipital neuralgia surgery, most patients demonstrated improvement in their quality of life.
