Procedures for Headache

Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Peripheral nerve blocks block the pain signals travelling along peripheral nerves and are typically administered to patients via a small-needle syringe at the back of the skull (greater and lesser occipital nerves).

Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin (OnabotulinumtoxinA) injections, more commonly known as Botox®, have been shown to be safe and effective for people living with chronic migraine. These injections are administered with a small needle, similar to what is used in acupuncture, to a patient’s head, neck and shoulders, and are given every three months in a series that includes upwards of 30 and 40 injections.

Trigger-Point Injections

 Trigger points are areas in the muscle that are very tight and may “twitch” when pressed. If touched, the patient may feel pain directly over the site that is being palpated (pressed) as well as at sites distant from the muscle in the patient’s head and neck; otherwise known as “referred pain.” Injections are given into different muscles on the scalp, neck and shoulders that cause head pain.

Adapted from

https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/interventional-headache-procedures/