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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1280513301 Message started by Bob_Johnson on Jul 30^th, 2010 at 2:08pm

Title: Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jul 30^th, 2010 at 2:08pm

Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2010 Jul 27. [Epub ahead of print]

Blocking the Greater Occipital Nerve: Utility in Headache Management.

Young WB.

Department of Neurology, Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University,
111 South Eleventh Street, Gibbon Building, Suite #8130, Philadelphia, PA, 19107,
USA, William.B.Young@jefferson.edu.

Occipital nerve block has been part of headache medicine for more than HALF A
CENTURY, with injection techniques and solutions varying greatly. Most studies
have been case series and many show benefit for patients with migraine, cluster
headache, and postconcussive headache. A double-blind, controlled trial of
cluster headache has demonstrated that injectable steroids with local anesthetics
benefit cluster headache patients. A double-blind, controlled trial of nerve
blocks in occipital neuralgia, which may have actually been chronic migraine, was
positive.

PMID: 20661785 [PubMed]

Title: Re: Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report
Post by Lizzie2 on Jul 30^th, 2010 at 5:29pm

What makes it only so-so? Looks fairly positive to me - although I'd want to read the full study for the rest of the info!! :)

Title: Re: Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report
Post by boski on Jul 30^th, 2010 at 8:00pm

Didn't last long for me. ;)

Title: Re: Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report
Post by Guiseppi on Jul 30^th, 2010 at 9:44pm

boski wrote on Jul 30^th, 2010 at 8:00pm:

Didn't last long for me. ;)

One of the most frustrating aspects of CH. What works like a charm for one sufferer, is worthless for another, or works for a short period...then stops. :'(

Joe

Title: Re: Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report
Post by boski on Jul 30^th, 2010 at 9:49pm

True! But, I slept like a baby for a night or 2. :) Yahoo!

Worth it! Plus didn't hurt head!

Title: Re: Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report
Post by Guiseppi on Jul 30^th, 2010 at 9:56pm

Yeah....amazing what a full nights sleep can be worth in high cycle!

Joe

Title: Re: Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report
Post by Lizzie2 on Jul 30^th, 2010 at 10:06pm

For me - sometimes it works, sometimes no. Never for long, but the brief break was worth it. Can't get them any longer now that I have the stim though!

Title: Re: Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report
Post by plateglass on Jul 31^st, 2010 at 8:24pm

My injection did not work.... and now the kicker, my insurance company is not paying for it! >:( They say it is not proven and experimental. How's that for a double kick in the head...no pun intended.

Steve

Title: Re: Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report
Post by boski on Aug 2^nd, 2010 at 2:24am

Fight the Mother F$&%&%^$ on that! As hard as you can.

Peace,

Boski

Title: Re: Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report
Post by wimsey1 on Aug 2^nd, 2010 at 7:33am

It's still on my list of things to try. I, too, will take any relief I can get, but one more disappointment? I don't know. That's why it is on the list, but near the bottom. Right above deep brain stiumulation. That's there, too. But on the very bottom. Blessings! lance

Title: Re: Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report
Post by plateglass on Aug 2^nd, 2010 at 5:28pm

Thanks Boski, I am going to appeal it. But I found out that the Dr. is fighting it too. I suppose he thinks he will get paid quicker from them if he resolves it than he would from out of my pocket!

Steve

Title: Re: Occipital Nerve Block: "So-so" report
Post by boski on Aug 2^nd, 2010 at 6:22pm

True! But, you go to bat too. Suckers like to take the cash
don't like to give it. Always a fight with them. Good luck.

Boski