I'm confused on a right occipital nerve block - should I get it?

I'm so sorry things are difficult right now. It's awful to feel we're not being listened to and so frustrating.
Please forgive me if I've share this before, but sounds like it's time to see a doctor who is a true expert in treating migraine and headache disease. Here's the thing - migraine is thought to be a neurological disease that can impact our entire body. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important in getting the proper treatment.
General neurologists may be fine doctors but have a hard time being experts in one area because they treat many conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and more. A true migraine/headache disease doctor treats migraine and headache all day, every day and have additional certification in headache medicine not all general neurologists have and they are the experts in this area. Here is more information on how these doctors are different and how to find one;
1) https://migraine.com/blog/really-find-headache-specialist/
2) https://migraine.com/living-migraine/neurologist-vs-specialist
3) https://migraine.com/living-migraine/change-thoughts-new-care
I've found these doctors make a huge impact in our care.
Don't lose hope!! There is so much more out there to manage migraine disease. I understand not wanting to take medications, however when we have a disease such as migraine, it may be necessary. Most of us are on a combination of medications, supplements, devices, complementary therapies and lifestyle modifications - I sure am.

Many here get nerve blocks for temporary relief and @Amanda Workman just wrote an article on them you can see here; https://migraine.com/living-migraine/nerve-block-injections-back-pain.

Please let me know what you think - you're not alone! Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator MIgraine.com Team

, I understand the frustration you are feeling. Nancy has given you some great information and resources to explore. It would be nice if a single type of treatment helped us control our migraine attacks, but that is not the case for many of us. Combination therapies are a solid part of effective disease management. Getting to that point takes time. Finding a specialist to get an accurate diagnosis is imperative, and that will open the door to targeted treatment options for us. You've been fighting for a long time. You are stronger than you can imagine. As far as occipital nerve blocks and other treatments go, they may not work on your body. My husband has had them with no lasting relief, but his migraines and other headache conditions are notoriously resistant to treatments. He has found the CGRP class of medications helpful in reducing the severe pain levels associated with his attack cycles. It's not a perfect solution, but his body is responsive, and he can manage most days with lower pain. It took years to get there, but he never lost hope. His faith has brought him through some dark times combined with the care of specialists. Ultimately, the choice of trying a therapy regimen is up to you and your doctor. You need to do what you feel will have the best outcomes and fit your lifestyle. We are here for you! Warmly, Cheryl migraine.com team

I don't know if this will help, but I have had a greater occipital nerve block, and also have latrogenic cushings, meaning that I too, cannot have steroids, but if the treatment is in any way similar, which based on a Google search, it is, then I absolutely reccomend it.


The needle hurts, but it is a few short injections, once, after that I have had a drastic and, more importantly, permanent, reduction in pain and aura.


I would reccomend taking someone with you to drive you home, and of you work, taking the next day off. The lowering of pain was within a few hours, but I was pretty woozy for a day or two.


It's painful, but short, and well worth it, imo.