Migraines & Occipital Nerve Blocks

gimartin

gimartin

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Well, I just saw my third neurologist since 2011 for migraines. He referred me to the pain clinic in which I will start getting injections in the back of my head to block nerve impulses I suppose.

I have chronic that have been plaguing me since late 2006 and are consistently getting more severe and occurring more often-once a week in such a was that the only treatment is me going up to the clinic and getting shot of torodol or Demerol then getting sent home on quarters. In the meantime, I am currently in a military school in which I can't afford to miss any classes and my grades are beginning to suffer.

My question is this: Does anyone have any experience with these occipital nerve blocks in the treatment of migraines? Are there any other questions I should ask or talk to my provider about? I would like for him to push for an MEB due to this and a load of other medical conditions that I am fighting with now, but he says he won't recommend one.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
I'm being offered Botox injections. They supposedly last a little longer (3-6 months). But in my case my migraines are resulting from TBI and I may have some other nerve damage they haven't explored yet. From what I've been told they can give Botox or the pain reliever type of blocker and depending on which one works best it helps them identify exactly what is causing the problem. Something like that anyway. I really only remember about half of what they tell me. But maybe something you can ask about.
 
I've gotten the Botox and its ok.
It only last for 60 days for me some times
in the coming weeks I will get the nerve block.
I have a real good Neurologist. On top of the
shots I have Tramadol,Backlofen and Hydrocodone
to hold me over until my next group of shot. FYI
not sure about how you feel about getting
shots, they hurt a bit after the fact. I find during
it's ok pain wise! Hope this helps a bit. I'm in the
MEB for PTSD and TBI I already have been found
unfit with all yeses.
 
I'm personally not real sold on the idea of the shots since they seem like a temp solution, but maybe that's just me hoping for something permanant still. I don't get any pain meds. All I get right now is topomax, which I really don't like because of the side effects and a sleeping pill that don't work. But I'm still early in treatment even though its been 7 months.

Just a side question if you don't mind johndelta, was your PTSD diagnosis after the TBI? I'm not a combat injury, so I'm not real sure how I could have PTSD and I've been avoiding the shrinks, but my wife is pushing me to disclose my anxiety and other depression type issues. Guess I've just always thought of PTSD being more combat related and depression being more suicidal ideation, neither of which I have history of.
 
No it got done at the Same time. I was having
real bad headaches. I been on just about every know
pill nothing worked for but the what I mentioned
above. PTSD and TBI are not just for combat, we have
soldier that was in a real bad car accident state side and was diagnosed
with both. No one can or should judge you. Get the
help you need and take care of your family!
 
I've known people who've gotten botox injections and really disliked it. They said that it worked for like 3 weeks and that is about it. I, too, am not a fan of shots, especially in or around my head. I also don't like the fact that they are a merely a temporary fix. I'll probably go ahead and get them though. I am not sure how the Army feels about me denying a treatment plan recommended by them. Hmmm, I actually wonder what they would do?

Oh well, thanks for the help gentlemen.
 
I am STILL active duty marines. I have suffered from migraines for 6 years now along with a multitude of other ailments. I am currently/hopefully nearing the end of my MED board. I will be receiving my 7th round of occipital nerve blocks and botox. All I can say is that stuff is great..for about 4 days lol but man those 4 days without pain are wonderful. I mean the best in my life. I would get those shots every 4 days if I could. The pain slowly starts to come back after that tho. I have been in pain so long that any day without pain is a good thing in my family. I know that will all suffer with my pain. So we will plan trips around the procedure so the day after will be filled with doing all the stuff I normally don’t get a chance to do. The shots arnt that bad and yes they do hurt but it is worth it. Good luck
 
had several nervbe blocks, they worked partially for 2-6 weeks, yesterday I had a full Ocipital nerve RF ablation on both sides, the procedure was funny as they had to stick probes in, find the best spot to cut and burn, by electrocuting it, wiggle the needle around etc., but once he hit the spot it was obvious. Its only been a day, so we shall see.
 
I've had the occipital block. It worked. What also works, and is not a controlled substance is Fiorcet. Ask your PA for it. May make you a bit jittery though as it has caffeine in it. But it works by expanding blood vessels.
 
I've had a few of the injections, and am trying the Radio Frequency Ablations next week on both sides at C2, C3, C4. I hope these work, they tried in my lower (lumbar) L4, L5 S1 with no help.
 
Zomglawlz said:
I'm personally not real sold on the idea of the shots since they seem like a temp solution, but maybe that's just me hoping for something permanant still. I don't get any pain meds. All I get right now is topomax, which I really don't like because of the side effects and a sleeping pill that don't work. But I'm still early in treatment even though its been 7 months.

Just a side question if you don't mind johndelta, was your PTSD diagnosis after the TBI? I'm not a combat injury, so I'm not real sure how I could have PTSD and I've been avoiding the shrinks, but my wife is pushing me to disclose my anxiety and other depression type issues. Guess I've just always thought of PTSD being more combat related and depression being more suicidal ideation, neither of which I have history of.
Click to expand...

This is the deal with PTSD, PTSD is a subset of Anxiety Disorders.

PTSD has a very clear definition as far as the Military is concerned. You must have all of the signs and symptoms that are generally associated with Anxiety disorders, and they must be accompanied by exposure to an/or some particular stressors that create the imminent fear of one losing their life.

As far as the military is concerned, the stressors must be extremely grave in nature and service members are thought to have a higher tolerance to such stressors due to training and other environmental issues.

Please do not read this as me telling you that you do not have PTSD, just make sure you are honest with behavioral health so they can accurately treat you.
 
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