Most headaches are managed with medication and lifestyle change. When attacks are frequent, medication is not tolerated, or the headache arises from the nerves and joints of the upper neck, image-guided injection treatments offer relief that medication alone does not. Dr. Kiruthika works alongside your neurologist or physician.
The scalp, upper neck joints and the covering of the brain share nerve pathways, so pain from the greater occipital nerve or the upper cervical facet joints is felt as headache. Migraine is a brain-driven disorder in which these same nerves amplify pain; calming them with targeted injections can reduce attack frequency. Facial nerve pain arises from the trigeminal nerve and is treated differently.
History and headache pattern first, with neurological examination. A diagnostic image-guided injection that abolishes the headache confirms a peripheral source. MRI is requested when the pattern or examination is unusual, and a neurologist is involved for primary headache disorders.
Conditions treated
Recurrent, often one-sided throbbing headache with nausea or light sensitivity. Medication is the mainstay. For frequent or chronic migraine, ultrasound-guided injections around the greater occipital nerve reduce attack frequency in many patients.
Headache generated by the upper cervical facet joints, felt at the back of the head and behind the eye, worse with neck movement. Confirmed with a diagnostic image-guided injection of the upper neck joints; treated with regenerative therapy injection for lasting relief.
Sharp, shooting pain along the greater or lesser occipital nerve at the back of the head, with tenderness over the nerve. An ultrasound-guided injection around the occipital nerve is both the test and the treatment; regenerative therapy injection for recurrent cases.
Band-like pressure headache linked to tightness in the neck and scalp muscles. Trigger point injections into the trapezius and suboccipital muscles, with a stretching and posture programme.
Severe, brief electric shocks in the cheek, jaw or forehead, triggered by touch, chewing or brushing teeth. Medication (carbamazepine or similar) is first-line. When it fails or is not tolerated, image-guided injection treatment of the trigeminal nerve branches is considered, or referral for surgical options.
Headache persisting after concussion or whiplash, often with a neck component. Treated by addressing the neck source — image-guided injections at the occipital nerve and upper neck joints — alongside graded rehabilitation.
Occipital injections take ten to fifteen minutes and require no sedation. Other image-guided procedures take twenty to forty-five minutes under local anaesthesia with X-ray or ultrasound guidance.
A sudden, severe “worst ever” headache; headache with fever and a stiff neck; headache with weakness, confusion or visual loss; a new headache after 50. These need emergency assessment, not an outpatient injection.
It reduces frequency and severity for weeks to months in many patients; it is not a cure and is used alongside medication.
The injection is placed near the nerve at the back of the scalp, under the skin, using ultrasound. It does not enter the skull.
No. Any change to medication is made with your neurologist or physician.
Typically every few months as needed; a regenerative therapy injection is considered when repeat injections help but wear off.
Trigeminal neuralgia is often mistaken for dental pain. If dental treatment has not helped, a pain assessment is worthwhile.