Occipital Nerve Injection
A focused injection of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid around the greater and lesser occipital nerves at the back of the head — used for occipital neuralgia, cervicogenic headache and selected migraine and cluster headache presentations.
Led by Dr Arul James (Consultant in Pain Medicine, GMC Specialist Register) at The Vesey, Sutton Coldfield. Self-pay and insurance accepted (BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix). Same-week appointments typical.
Who this procedure is for
- Occipital neuralgia — sharp, shock-like pain from the base of the skull radiating over the scalp.
- Cervicogenic headache driven by upper cervical joint and muscle pathology.
- Refractory chronic migraine — typically alongside other preventative treatments.
- Cluster headache flare — as an acute bridging therapy while preventative medication is optimised.
How the procedure is performed
Anatomical-landmark or ultrasound-guided injection of local anaesthetic and a small dose of steroid around the occipital nerve(s) at the base of the skull. The procedure takes 5–10 minutes.
Before, during and after
- Before: no fasting required. No preparation needed.
- During: seated or lying on your front, awake. You will feel the needle and may feel referred sensation to the scalp — that confirms correct placement.
- After: sit upright for 10 minutes before leaving. Diagnostic relief is immediate; therapeutic effect develops over 3–7 days.
Recovery and aftercare
No restrictions on activity. Drive yourself home. Expect 24–48 hours of scalp tenderness. Relief typically lasts 2–3 months and the procedure can be repeated as part of a structured headache plan.
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Risks and side effects
Common: brief site soreness, small bruise, temporary scalp numbness. Uncommon: vasovagal reaction, brief dizziness. Rare: infection, allergic reaction, transient local skin depigmentation from steroid.
When this procedure is not appropriate
Active skin infection at the injection site, allergy to local anaesthetic or steroid without alternative, undiagnosed new-onset headache (we will arrange appropriate investigation first).
Cost and pathway
Initial consultation £260. Bilateral occipital nerve injection from £290 including consent, drugs and aftercare guidance.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with Dr Arul James
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.88/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
View the full pain management pathway →
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727