Ultrasound-guided Pulsed Radiofrequency of the
Third Occipital Nerve.
As previously discussed, occipital neuralgia may involve the greater occipital nerve, lesser occipital nerve, third occipital nerve or a combination of these neural structures (Figure 1).
Response of cervicogenic headaches and occipital neuralgia to radiofrequency ablation of the C2 dorsal root ganglion and/or third occipital nerve.
1) Occipital neuralgia may be the result of pathology in the greater, lesser or third occipital nerves (Figure 1).
12) Occipital neuralgia is a condition associated with paroxysmal jabbing pain in the distribution of the greater occipital nerves or the third occipital nerve, typically as a result of entrapment of a nerve along it course.
19-21) The occipital placement at C1 through C3 for pain relief is based on coverage of the greater and lesser occipital nerves as well as pain originating from the cervical region, such as the third occipital nerve.
5 cm posterior to the ear at the level of tragus; the greater, lesser and third occipital nerves were blocked with 2 ml of solution using a 22G spinal needle with infiltration along the superior nuchal line, approximately halfway between the occipital protuberance and mastoid process.
Posteriorly the greater occipital and third occipital nerves (posterior rami of C2 and C3 respectively) extend to the vertex and posterior scalp respectively.
