Occipital Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation

About This Treatment

This procedure is used to treat occipital neuralgia and involves heating the occipital nerves to stop them from sending pain signals to the brain. Occipital radiofrequency ablation is performed under local anesthetic with fluoroscopic guidance. A needle electrode is inserted through the skin and then into the tissue to be ablated. Patients who get temporary pain relief from occipital nerve blocks may be suitable for occipital nerve radiofrequency ablation. This is likely to provide longer-term pain relief.