High-grade glioma
"I arrived with a glioma I had been told was inoperable. Here they reviewed it at the tumour board and offered me a plan. The surgery was a success. Four years on, I am well."
In-clinic procedure
Greater Occipital Nerve Block
ultrasound-guided
Outpatient technique for the treatment of chronic migraines, cervicogenic headaches and occipital neuralgia. Fast relief, few side effects and immediate recovery.
What does it involve?
An outpatient, precise and minimally invasive technique
The greater occipital nerve block is a procedure performed in the clinic itself, with no preparation required. It consists of an anaesthetic application to the greater occipital nerve for the treatment of various types of headache.
The greater occipital nerve runs just beneath the skin and over the skull bone at the back of the head. Its superficial location and the use of ultrasound to identify it make this a precise, safe and minimally invasive procedure.
Total duration: 10-15 minutes in clinic. Recovery: immediate, no special aftercare required.
Equipment
What equipment is used?
Portable ultrasound
With a high-frequency linear transducer to visualise the nerve in real time.
Fine needle
Small gauge to minimise discomfort during the injection.
Local anaesthetic
Lidocaine. In specific headache cases a corticosteroid is also added.
Indications
When is this treatment indicated?
Before performing it, we always carry out a clinical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and ensure it is the most appropriate procedure. The main indications are:
- Migraine episodic and chronic.
- Tension headache.
- Cervicogenic headache.
- Cluster headache.
- Post-traumatic headaches (whiplash, cervical surgery).
- Occipital neuralgia.
Results
What results can be expected?
The occipital nerve block usually provides rapid pain relief, which may be felt from the first few minutes up to 2-3 days after the procedure.
In many cases, pain-free periods last for weeks or even months, reducing the need for continuous oral medication.
The procedure can be repeated safely if pain recurs, adapted to each patient's needs to maintain long-term symptom control.
Advantages
What are the advantages?
No preparation
Performed directly in clinic. No fasting or additional prior tests required.
Very safe
Virtually no contraindications and no serious side effects.
No aftercare
You can return to normal life immediately after the clinic visit.
Fast and long-lasting
Relief within minutes. Effects can last weeks or months.
Less medication
Reduces the need for continuous oral medication for pain control.
Repeatable
Can be repeated periodically if pain returns, tailored to each patient.
Ultrasound-guided
Precise real-time nerve localisation for maximum accuracy.
Outpatient
No admission or operating theatre required. Everything in 10-15 minutes.
Patient reviews
What our patients say
Cervical disc herniation
"For years I had a cervical disc herniation, operated on by another team with no improvement. Minimally invasive surgery gave me back my mobility and took the pain away."
International patient
"I travelled from outside Spain. The team reviewed my case before I came and gave me a clear plan. Caring people and impeccable technique."
Request information
Living with chronic headaches?
Request an assessment with our neurology team. We review your case and advise whether you are a candidate for the occipital nerve block or other alternatives.