# Greater Occipital Nerve Block in Barcelona (ultrasound-guided)

> Treatment for migraines, chronic headaches and occipital neuralgia. Ultrasound-guided anaesthetic block of the greater occipital nerve in clinic. Fast, long-lasting relief. Treatment for national and international patients with remote second opinion.

URL: https://brainandspine-bcn.com/en/neurology/occipital-nerve-block/
Fuente: Brain & Spine Barcelona — https://brainandspine-bcn.com

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# 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.

## 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.

## What equipment is used?

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### Portable ultrasound

With a high-frequency linear transducer to visualise the nerve in real time.

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### Fine needle

Small gauge to minimise discomfort during the injection.

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### Local anaesthetic

Lidocaine. In specific headache cases a corticosteroid is also added.

## 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.**

## 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.

## 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.

## What our patients say

5,0
Average rating on Doctoralia · testimonials anonymised with consent
"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."

"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."

"I travelled from outside Spain. The team reviewed my case before I came and gave me a clear plan. Caring people and impeccable technique."

_**A multidisciplinary team by your side.** Neurosurgeons, neurologists and nursing staff working together on every case. [Meet the whole team →](https://brainandspine-bcn.com/en/team/)_