The main symptoms and treatment of neuralgia of the occipital nerve

1 Appearance of

Disease Symptoms and treatment of occipital neuralgia depend on the characteristics of the disease. Manifestations of neuralgia are different in each case. Often a person experiences pain in the eyes, forehead, temples. The diagnosis of neuralgia of the occipital nerve is made by the doctor. Self-identification of the disease will not succeed, in connection with this medical examination is extremely necessary. Neuralgia and neuritis of the occipital nerve are often confused - these two ailments have similar symptoms. Neuritis, unlike neuralgia, requires a different technique of treatment.

Neuralgia of the occipital nerve is of two types: primary( develops by itself) and secondary( due to tumors and head injuries).Let's move on to the causes of this disease. As a rule, they are covered in prolonged muscle tension after sedentary work. If a person is exposed to stressful loads, experiences emotional shocks, he is also inclined to the appearance of ailment. Neuralgia of the occipital nerve arises as a result of osteochondrosis, mechanical injuries of the spine( bruises, trauma), hypothermia. Symptoms and treatment of the disease are always individual.

The disease can occur in the presence of osteoarthritis of the upper spine, due to infectious diseases, inflammation in the vessels. It is worth emphasizing: this kind of disease often occurs against the background of diabetes mellitus. Symptoms of neuralgia of the occipital nerve are different, but among the main ones it is necessary to designate a specific headache that appears suddenly( for example, if a person turns or tries to touch the occipital nerves).Very often, pain sensations are located in the lower zone of the neck, behind the ears, in the eye area. Basically, pain is observed in one part of the head. It is important to know that with neuralgia of the occipital nerve, nerve damage can occur.

2 Characteristics of

Neuralgia of the occipital nerve has its symptoms, among which acute pain, similar to "shooting" pain. This symptom begins and stops suddenly. In the presence of neuralgia of the occipital nerve, it becomes painful for a person to touch the head. Among the signs of the disease is to identify the sensitivity to light when exposed to bright light, then the pain sensations are localized in the eye zone. Symptoms of neuralgia are a threat to health! If you have at least one of these, you need to see a doctor.

Now let's talk about the diagnosis and methods of treating the disease. Identifying the ailment is difficult. After all, its main sign, a headache, can occur with various diseases. To recognize the neuralgia of the occipital nerve, you need to conduct an examination and analyze the patient's complaints. Only in this case it will be possible to diagnose. In the process of diagnosis, a computed tomography scan is performed, as a result of this procedure, the tissues shown on the screen are analyzed. Diagnosis is also carried out using an X-ray - this method is the most accurate. As a result of the X-ray, the doctor can determine the state of the bone structures. In order to diagnose it is necessary to conduct magnetic resonance imaging. The procedure makes it possible to study soft tissues and bones by irradiating the affected area with electromagnetic waves.

3 How the pathology of

is treated Now let's look at the methods of treatment. There are two main options: conservative therapy and surgical intervention. Conservative treatment involves the application of methods aimed at alleviating the symptoms. First of all, the patient should fully rest. The doctor can prescribe a special treatment for the affected area, in addition to this, massage and the use of anticonvulsants are necessary.

It should be remembered: medicines can not be consumed constantly - they can lead to the appearance of side effects. If the pain is so severe that it does not disappear with the use of drugs, the doctor prescribes surgical treatment. The most popular method is neurostimulation, in the course of which wiring is made to the nerves, which allow obtaining impulses blocking the pain. A person experiences a weak vibration or a feeling of spreading heat. Neurostimulation is an effective method of treatment. With its effect, no side effects are observed.

There is another method of diagnosis, called decompression microvascular. This procedure is carried out with the use of microsurgical techniques, due to which the compression of nerves is weakened, and the pain thus disappears. How to treat neuralgia of the occipital nerve? Is it possible to carry out treatment at home? Before using various broths and lotions, you need to get advice from a doctor. Home methods of treatment are used only with the permission of the doctor and in addition to the basic treatment.

4 Traditional medicine

Effective is the adoption of a bath based on herbs. With neuralgia, you can use collections of oregano, thyme and peppermint. These ingredients will need to be taken in equal parts. You can take 1 tbsp.l.each of them and pour a glass of boiling water, after which the mixture is filtered and added to the bath, which should be 10 minutes. The optimal course of treatment is 1 month, but it all depends on the characteristics of your body and the symptoms of neuralgia.

Compresses are effective - they need to be applied to the affected area. The most common prescription against neuralgia is to grind the potato and the pickled cucumber. These vegetables should be poured in a diluted wine sauce and insist for 2 hours( the mixture is periodically shaken).The compress is applied to the forehead and aged for an hour. To treat neuralgia, drops are used for the ears. Before using them, consult a physician. In the ears you can dig in drops from the raw beet. To do this, the vegetable rubs on a fine grater, turns into gauze, you will get a tampon that fits in the ear. These prescriptions should only be used after consultation with the doctor, otherwise the disease is aggravated. If there is an allergy to one of the above components, the use is prohibited.

Now let's look at the consequences of neuralgia of the occipital nerve. If the treatment is not carried out, the pain will begin to progress, and the nerves located on the occiput will collapse. The person will feel pain, in addition to this, a very serious consequence can occur - blinding. Pain that does not stop after the transformation of neuralgia takes place - in this case there is an increase in the sensitivity of soft tissues. Neuralgia of the occipital nerve should be treated in a timely manner!