Occipital Neuralgia Causes
Occipital neuralgia is caused by multiple factors. The most common cause of occipital neuralgia is head trauma, damage to these nerves. Ways in which they can be damaged include trauma (usually concussive), physical stress on the nerve, repetitious neck contraction, flexion or extension, and as a result of medical complications (such as osteochondroma, a benign tumour of the bone). Injury to the neck, such as whiplash, may result in inflammation and damage to the occipital region, causing nerve irritation and pain. Occipital neuralgia may be caused by pinching or trapping of the nerve root in the neck, with tight muscles, tumors, and certain spine conditions being the most common causes. Less commonly, occipital neuralgia may be caused by diabetes or gout. In some cases, however, the cause is not known.
The risk factors for Occipital Neuralgia
Risk factors for occipital neuralgia include:
- Infection or inflammation of the muscles and nerves in the back of the head. Pressure on nerves by nearby bones, ligaments, blood vessels, or tumors
- Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine
- Trauma (including surgery)
- Chemical irritation, Exposure to chemicals
- Diabetes
- Medications such as cisplatin, paclitaxel, or vincristine
- Chronic renal insufficiency
- Porphyria
- Infections, such as herpes zoster ( shingles), HIV, Lyme disease, and syphilis
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