Greater Occipital Nerve Blockade: A Safe and Effective Option for the Acute Treatment of Hemiplegic Aura

Headache. 2015 Jul-Aug;55(7):1000-3. doi: 10.1111/head.12607. Epub 2015 Jul 3.

Abstract

Background: Prolonged auras such as those of hemiplegic migraine or migraine with brainstem aura may be extremely disabling. The availability of effective treatments is limited, but two case reports described cessation of the aura symptoms after a greater occipital nerve (GON) blockade.

Case: A 26-year-old woman with a history of hemiplegic migraine with prolonged auras came to our office with an episode of motor and sensory aura 1 hour after onset. Both muscle strength and sensory function started to improve immediately after a GON anesthetic blockade, and the patient was fully relieved in 50 minutes.

Conclusion: GON blockade may be an effective option for the acute treatment of hemiplegic aura or other prolonged migraine auras.

Keywords: greater occipital nerve; hemiplegic migraine; migraine aura; nerve blockade; treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthetics, Local / administration & dosage
  • Bupivacaine / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Hemiplegia / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Migraine with Aura / surgery*
  • Nerve Block*
  • Spinal Nerves / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Bupivacaine