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Occipital Neuralgia is a medical condition characterized by chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head and behind the ears. These areas correspond to the locations of the lesser and greater occipital nerves. Occipital Neuralgia is caused by damage to these nerves. Ways in which they can be damaged include trauma (usually concussive), physical stress on the nerve, repetitious neck contraction, and as a result of medical complications (such as osteochondroma, a benign tumour of the bone).
The only direct symptom of this condition is essentially a chronic headache. Because chronic headaches are a common symptom for many, many conditions, Occipital Neuralgia is often misdiagnosed at first. Once diagnosed, Occipital Neuralgia can be treated in several ways. These include nerve blocks, peripheral nerve stimulation, steroids, and even antidepressants and surgical neurolysis.
Occipital Neuralgia is not a life-threatening or otherwise health-threatening condition.
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