Irritation of an occipital nerve anywhere along its course can cause a shooting or stabbing pain in the neck, radiating over the head. Between bouts of shooting pain, there also can be a constant ache. Other symptoms can include dizziness and nausea.
Can occipital neuralgia cause balance problems?
Balance and coordination issues Like migraine, occipital neuralgia symptoms also include those that affect balance and coordination. These include: Vision issues, such as blurry eyes. Vertigo.
What are the symptoms of occipital neuralgia?
Symptoms of occipital neuralgia include continuous aching, burning and throbbing, with intermittent shocking or shooting pain that generally starts at the base of the head and goes to the scalp on one or both sides of the head. Patients often have pain behind the eye of the affected side of the head.
What is cervical vertigo?
Cervical vertigo, also called cervicogenic dizziness, is a feeling of disorientation or unsteadiness caused by a neck injury or health condition that affects the neck. It’s almost always accompanied by neck pain. Your range of motion can be affected, too, and sometimes it comes along with a headache.
Is cervical vertigo serious?
Cervical vertigo is a treatable condition. Without proper medical guidance, your symptoms could get worse. Self-diagnosis is not recommended since this condition can mimic more serious diseases. If you begin to experience dizziness, neck pain, and other related symptoms, visit your doctor immediately.
Can a pinched nerve in your neck cause vertigo?
Cervicogenic dizziness is vertigo caused by conditions related to the neck. You may have asked yourself a question like, ‘can a pinched nerve cause dizziness’. The answer is yes, under certain conditions a nerve in the neck experiencing excess pressure can cause bouts of dizziness.
How long does it take for occipital neuralgia to heal?
Most cases disappear in 1 to 2 months. In rare cases, it can last longer than a year.
Who can treat occipital neuralgia?
Treatment of occipital neuralgia is generally symptomatic and includes massage and rest. In some cases, antidepressants may be used when the pain is particularly severe.
What is the prognosis for occipital neuralgia?
Prognosis. Occipital neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition. Many individuals will improve with therapy involving heat, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants. Recovery is usually complete after the bout of pain has ended and the nerve damage repaired or lessened.
What are the treatment options for occipital neuralgia?
Start with your diet.
