Arnold's Neuralgia

Arnold's neuralgia is a relatively rare condition, but it can cause severe pain in the head and neck. It can be difficult to diagnose, but once identified, there are several treatment options available to alleviate the symptoms.[2] Continue reading and you will learn more about Arnold's neuralgia and its causes, how it manifests, and most importantly, how it can be treated!

What is Arnold's Neuralgia?

Arnold's neuralgia, also known as occipital neuralgia, is a neurological condition that manifests as intense pain in the head and neck area. This disease is caused by inflammation or irritation of the occipital nerves, which start at the base of the skull and extend to the scalp. The pain experienced can range from a burning sensation to a sharp, throbbing pain.[2]

Unfortunately, Arnold's neuralgia is often underdiagnosed or confused with other types of headaches, such as migraines or tension headaches. The reason is that the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, and the methods of diagnosis can be complex.

Causes of Arnold's Neuralgia

Arnold's neuralgia occurs when the occipital nerves are damaged, and there are several possible causes for this. The list includes:

• head or neck trauma;
• cervical osteoarthritis;
• infections;
• compression of the occipital nerves;
• benign or malignant tumors in the spine or head;
• cervical disc herniations;
• gout;
• diabetes;
• infections;
• vasculitis or inflammation of the blood vessels.[3]

In many cases, the exact cause of Arnold's neuralgia remains unknown.[1]

Symptoms of Arnold's Neuralgia

The most common symptom of Arnold's neuralgia is intense, sharp, or stabbing pain in the neck and head. This pain is often described as burning or an electric shock, and in some cases, it can radiate to the lateral or frontal parts of the head.[2][3]

However, Arnold's neuralgia can also be associated with other symptoms, including increased scalp sensitivity. This means that a light touch of the hair or scalp can cause pain. In some cases, pain can be triggered by head or neck movements, making daily tasks difficult. Patients often complain of pain behind the eye on the affected side of the head or sensitivity to light.[1][2]

How Long Does Arnold's Neuralgia Last?

The duration of Arnold's neuralgia varies considerably from one person to another. Some people may experience episodes of pain that last only a few seconds, while others may suffer from uninterrupted pain that can last for hours. These variations can be influenced by several factors, including the severity of nerve damage and the individual's response to treatment.

Although treatments can help manage symptoms, they do not always cure the underlying cause of the problem. Thus, some people may experience repeated episodes of Arnold's neuralgia.[4]

Diagnosing Arnold's Neuralgia

Diagnosing Arnold's neuralgia is quite difficult: the present symptoms can have many causes, and there is no specific test or investigation that can confirm this diagnosis.

The patient's medical history, both personal and family, the symptoms they present, the intensity of the pain, its duration, and how it manifests are important diagnostic criteria. In addition, the doctor will perform a physical examination of the patient's neck and head to check for sensitivity, presence of pain on touch, and cervical spine mobility.[1]

Imaging investigations may also be requested. These can include:

• X-rays;
• MRI;
• computed tomography (CT).[4]

To confirm the diagnosis of Arnold's neuralgia, diagnostic blocks can be performed, in which certain medications are injected around the occipital nerves. If pain significantly improves after injection, this suggests the presence of Arnold's neuralgia.[4]

Treatment of Arnold's Neuralgia

The main objective of treatment for Arnold's neuralgia is to alleviate the patient's pain and can vary depending on the intensity and frequency of symptoms.

In cases of mild occipital neuralgia, relaxation techniques, yoga, or applying warm compresses to the neck can prove useful. If these do not yield results, complementary therapies such as physiotherapy - for example, exercises for Arnold's neuralgia and/or manual therapy can be considered.[1][3][4]

For occipital neuralgia, medication treatment can also be prescribed: anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, depending on the specifics of each case. These are usually recommended when the pain becomes more intense or frequent. Other treatment options include local anesthetic and corticosteroid injections and botulinum toxin injections.[4]

In the most severe cases, when pain cannot be controlled through the mentioned methods, surgical interventions may be considered. These can range from microvascular decompression, sectioning of the occipital nerves, or cauterization of the damaged nerve to stimulation of the affected nerves. It is important to note that these therapeutic options are considered a last resort and are used only when medication treatment and complementary therapies have not yielded the expected results.[1][3][4]

Arnold's neuralgia or occipital neuralgia is a painful condition that, as we have seen, can have multiple causes. Do not hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you are experiencing pain in the head or neck! Correct and early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and symptom relief.

Bibliography: