Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> occipital nerve block question
        
(Message started by: Charlotte on Nov 19^th, 2007, 8:35am)

Title: occipital nerve block question
Post by Charlotte on Nov 19^th, 2007, 8:35am

I know a lot of people have had these. Do you remember exactly what symptoms prompted the doc or neuro to try it, did it provide any relief, and how long did the relief last.

Thanks, Charlotte

Title: Re: occipital nerve block question
Post by EstieSA on Nov 19^th, 2007, 11:42am

WOFTAM >:(

I had quite a few. Different ones , but it never lasted more than 4-5 hours... :'(

My hits became worse & more frequent after the last one in February 2007.

They are very convincing, though... ::) (the neuros, ~~not~~ and the hits)

Title: Re: occipital nerve block question
Post by aloneuk on Nov 19^th, 2007, 2:35pm

on 11/19/07 at 11:42:57, EstieSA wrote:

WOFTAM >:(

Title: Re: occipital nerve block question
Post by EstieSA on Nov 19^th, 2007, 3:35pm

on 11/19/07 at 14:35:23, aloneuk wrote:

Waste Of effing Time And Money... ;)

Title: Re: occipital nerve block question
Post by Lizzie2 on Nov 19^th, 2007, 5:09pm

Works for some, not others. I've had nerve block injections abort a hit, however I don't just get occipital nerve blocks. They also inject above my eyes and in my temples. That combination of occipital, temporal, supraorbital has helped me - seems to help for a few days, but the CH may break through right from the start, but not be as severe as it was....some of the worst burning trigeminal pain seems numbed a bit. YMMV!

Take care and PF wishes,
Carrie :)

Title: Re: occipital nerve block question
Post by Garys_Girl on Nov 20^th, 2007, 2:25am

Gary tried it. He's been chronic CH since March 2006. Neuro basically gave up (no meds worked) and referred him to pain management doc. It was one of the first things the pain mgmt doc tried. It made the side of his head numb, relieving the daily chronic pain - but the regular attacks totally broke through. As it wore off, he had a regular headache. Had bad rebounds from it (unless increased activity was just a coincidence), and didn't try it again.

Maybe our pain mgmt doc isn't that good, but it left a big lump on the back of his head that in and of itself was very painful for several days.

My understanding is that it has worked for some, but Gary's experience wouldn't merit recommending it to anyone.

Of course, we feel pretty much anything is worth trying - you never know. The beast is SO individual. If you decide to give it a go, I hope it works for you!!!!!

Laurie

Title: Re: occipital nerve block question
Post by swimchica623 on Nov 22^nd, 2007, 7:47pm

I had one last August during a particularly bad time...I'd say it lasted a week I guess? I didn't get complete relief but I did stop getting slammed and when it wore off I'd say I was on worse shape than I was before the nerve block. I'm not sure what nerves he targeted, but it might have been a combination because there were a ton of shots, they were all in the back of my head though so from what I remember from psychology classes the occipital nerve must have been back there!
There was a noticeable sort of click though when it started to work, my eye that had gotten a permenant droop to it, even between hits, sorta perked up and I felt kinda clear headed. I felt so awful, I was really getting slammed, that I'd still say it was worth it. The experience of getting the shots was not fun, the muscles in my neck were really stiff at that point so I could hear the needles going in and making a crackling noise, and the area stayed a little numbish for about a day and was mildly itchy.
I'd say its worth it if you are really, really desparate.
Lisa

Title: Re: occipital nerve block question
Post by E-Double on Nov 23^rd, 2007, 8:13am

I had one before going into the hospital last July.
It was supposed to numb the area for up to 48 hours.
I was numb for 45 minutes.
It was supposed to last for weeks.
It did not do anything except what i suspect was "trigger" (and most of you who know me realize that I never say trigger b/c I believe that there are truly only 1 or two for us that will send ya flying immediately=trigger) an attack.

Hugs,

E