OCCIPITAL NERVE STIMULATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA- 8 CASE STUDIES
Charlotte Johnston, Raj Sundaraj
Prince of Wales Pain Management Centre, Sydney, NSW
Objective
The aim was to examine the hypothesis that subcutaneous occipital stimulation influences pain due to occipital neuralgia.
Materials and method
Between 2001 and 2004 8 patients with intractable occipital neuralgia were referred to our center. Their records were reviewed. Each patient was interviewed over the telephone. They were all offered a trial of stimulation using a percutaneous lead over one week. If they achieved 50% pain reduction a permanent lead was implanted.
The impact of occipital stimulation was measured by pain score, analgesic requirements and employment status.
Result
7 proceeded to a permanent stimulator. There was a reduction in the visual analogue score post implantation in 5 of the 7 patients. The total quantity of opiates taken after implantation showed a marked reduction.
Of the 7 who had a permanent implant 2 acquired full time employment.
Conclusion
Occipital neuralgia is a useful and reversible treatment for intractable occipital neuralgia.
Time of Presentation
Saturday 13 May 2006 - 1530-1700
