Greater occipital nerve

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Greater occipital nerve
semispinalis capitis, scalp
Identifiers
Latinnervus occipitalis major
TA98A14.2.02.008
TA26366
FMA65443
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy]

The greater occipital nerve is a nerve of the head. It is a

parotid glands.[citation needed
]

Structure

The greater occipital nerve is the medial branch of the

posterior part of the scalp up to the vertex.[1]

Function

The greater occipital nerve supplies sensation to the

parotid glands.[citation needed
]

Clinical significance

Problems with the greater occipital nerve may be a cause of cervicogenic headaches.[1] These may be referred to as occipital neuralgias. A common site, and usually misdiagnosed area of entrapment for the greater occipital nerve, is at the obliquus capitis inferior muscle.[2] These may be treated with a temporary nerve block.[1]

Occipital pain management

Most people with tension headaches experience increasing intensity with time, and report pain originating in the back of the head (occipital) moving to the front of the head (supraorbital). Neurostimulation is sometimes used to treat tension headaches that originate from the occipital nerve.[3][unreliable source?]

Notes

  1. ^
    ISBN 978-0-7216-0334-6
    .
  2. S2CID 35734183
    .
  3. ^ Migraine Treatment Technology Explained

Additional images

  • Dermatome distribution of the trigeminal nerve
    Dermatome distribution of the trigeminal nerve
  • The nerves of the scalp, face, and side of neck.
    The nerves of the scalp, face, and side of neck.
  • Lateral head anatomy detail
    Lateral head anatomy detail

External links

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