Interventional Headache Procedures
Chronic headaches can be debilitating and difficult to treat, especially when they become resistant to oral medications or occur daily. Interventional procedures offer an alternative, non-surgical solution for patients seeking fast and effective pain relief. These minimally invasive procedures involve injecting anesthetic medication near specific nerves involved in transmitting headache pain. In some cases, a corticosteroid may be added to reduce inflammation and prolong the effects.
Nerve blocks can relieve various types of headache disorders, including migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and occipital neuralgia. They are also useful in treating post-traumatic headaches and cervicogenic headaches (headaches that originate in the neck). By interrupting the pain signal at its source, nerve blocks can not only ease current symptoms but help prevent future episodes.
Types of Headaches Treated
- Chronic migraines – Especially when migraines occur more than 15 days a month
- Occipital neuralgia – A stabbing or burning pain caused by irritation of the occipital nerves at the base of the skull
- Cluster headaches – Excruciating headaches that occur in cyclical patterns
- Cervicogenic headaches – Headaches that originate from cervical spine dysfunction
- Post-concussive or post-traumatic headaches – Following head or neck injury
- Medication-refractory headaches – Headaches that don’t respond well to medications
To learn more about these headache conditions, explore our Conditions Treated page.
Common Interventions for Headaches
- Botox injection – administered once every 12 weeks to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.
- Greater occipital nerve block – Often used for migraines and occipital neuralgia
- Lesser occipital and third occipital nerve blocks – Used in combination for cervicogenic headaches
- Sphenopalatine ganglion block – Useful for cluster headaches and migraines
Each procedure is tailored to your specific symptoms and headache pattern.
How the Procedure Works
The procedure is performed in-office and usually takes less than 30 minutes. After identifying the appropriate nerve(s), the skin is cleansed and a small needle is used to inject the medication near the nerve. In most cases, the patient experiences very little discomfort.
Some patients notice relief within minutes; for others, improvement may take a few hours. Relief can last days to weeks, depending on the individual and the cause of the headache. Repeat treatments may be necessary to maintain long-term relief.
Benefits of Nerve Blocks
- Rapid relief of severe or chronic headaches
- Minimal risk, minimal downtime
- Reduces reliance on daily medication
- Helpful in identifying headache origins
- Can be combined with other treatments (e.g., Botox, lifestyle changes)
Headache Relief Starts Here
At Ascent Pain, we offer personalized care for patients living with frequent or disabling headaches. Nerve blocks are just one of many advanced treatment options we provide to help you take control of your pain and improve your quality of life.
Call Ascent Pain at (504) 249-7576 or request your appointment online today to find out if nerve blocks are the right solution for your headaches.