Trauma

• An injury to the back of the head, such as whiplash, can cause inflammation and swelling. This condition may impinge the nerves due to stressed neck muscles.
  
  

Medical

• Osteoarthritis, tumors, neck lesions, spinal compression, gout, infection, diabetes and inflamed blood vessel are medical conditions that cause inflammation. This inflammation can cause nerve impingement leading to occipital neuralgia.
  
  

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of occipital neuralgia include localized headaches, tender scalp and pain and/or pressure behind the eyes.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment for occipital neuralgia focuses on treatment the symptoms. Massage, rest, physical therapy, antidepressants, nerve blocks and steroids are medications that are prescribed for treatment options.
  
  

Research

• The exact cause of occipital neuralgia is unknown. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is dedicated to performing studies to understand the mechanisms of pain and/or treatment options.