Cervical myelitis presenting as occipital neuralgia

Int J Neurosci. 2018 Jul;128(7):682-683. doi: 10.1080/00207454.2017.1403917. Epub 2017 Nov 23.

Abstract

Aim: Occipital neuralgia is a common form of headache that is characterized by paroxysmal severe lancinating pain in the occipital nerve distribution.

Methods: The exact pathophysiology is still not fully understood and occipital neuralgia often develops spontaneously. There are no specific guidelines for evaluation of patients with occipital neuralgia.

Result: Cervical spine, spinal cord and posterior neck muscle lesions can induce occipital neuralgia. Brain and spine imaging may be necessary in some cases, according to the nature of the headache or response to treatment.

Discussion: We report a case of cervical myelitis presenting as occipital neuralgia.

Keywords: Cervical myelitis; headache; occipital neuralgia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Myelitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Myelitis / drug therapy
  • Myelitis / physiopathology*
  • Neuralgia / physiopathology*
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Visual Analog Scale

Substances

  • Steroids