What is Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital Neuralgia Treatment

Sufferers of Occipital Neuralgia present with unilateral head and neck pain described as; piercing, throbbing, electric-shock like or aching pain. Occipital neuralgia pain is experienced in the upper neck, back of the head or behind the ears. Occasionally, the pain of occipital neuralgia affects the forehead or the scalp. These areas correlate with the distributions of the greater and lesser occipital nerves.

Other occipital neuralgia symptoms can include:

Pain behind the eyes
Visual impairments
Tinnitus
Nausea

Attacks generally last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes [1].

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Understanding your Headache

The Role of the Occipital Nerve

The primary role of the occipital nerve is to run sensory information (such as pain messages) from the back of the head to the brain. Therefore, all sensory information from the back of your head and neck travels through the occipital nerve.

Sufferers of occipital neuralgia are often very physically sensitive and report that very light stimuli—such as lightly touching the back of the neck, can cause debilitating attacks and intense pain. This could be due to the connection between the occipital nerve and the brainstem, as it plays a crucial role in transmitting and processing sensory information to the brain.

Anatomy of the Occipital Nerve

There are three nerves that group to form the Occipital Nerve, and they originate between the 2nd and 3rd cervical vertebrae. The Greater Occipital Nerve innervates the semispinalis capitis muscle, and also the scalp. The rest of the scalp and the area behind your ears are innervated by the Lesser Occipital Nerve. The C2/3 facet joints, the area below your scalp and semispinalis capitis are innervated by the Least Occipital Nerve [1].

All you need to know about Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia is typically caused by a disruption in the normal function of the occipital nerves, which can stem from a variety of underlying conditions. Given that these nerves extend across a wide area, the potential causes are equally broad.

Common triggers include nerve compression (a pinched nerve), trauma from accidents or surgeries, and inflammatory conditions. Diseases such as multiple sclerosis, which damage the protective myelin sheath of nerves, have also been linked to occipital neuralgia. Additionally, conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to occipital neuralgia by causing joint inflammation and structural changes in the cervical spine, potentially irritating the occipital nerves.

What are the possible causes of irritation?

The following are the reported ‘known’ causes of occipital neuralgia [2]:

Vascular

Aberrant branches of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery irritating the C1/2 nerve roots
A cervical level arteriovenous dural fistula
Bulbocervical cavernomas bleeding
Cervical intramedullary cavernous hemangioma
Giant cell arteritis
Fenestrated vertebral artery pressing on C1/C2 nerve roots
Aberrant course of the vertebral artery

Neurogenic

Schwannoma in the area of the craniocervical junction: schwannoma of occipital nerve
C2 myelitis
Multiple sclerosis

Osteogenic

C1/C2 arthrosis, atlantodental sclerosis
Hypermobile C1 posterior arch
Cervical osteochondroma
Osteolytic lesion of the cranium
Exuberant callus formation after C1/C2 fracture

Muscular

Muscle tightness or dysfunction in the neck, particularly in the suboccipital muscles, can contribute to occipital neuralgia by compressing or irritating the occipital nerves.
Chronic poor posture, stress, or previous neck injuries can lead to excessive muscle tension, intensifying discomfort.
Individuals may also experience severe pain or stiffness in the neck muscles, further exacerbating occipital neuralgia symptoms.

Sensitised Brainstem

In some cases, patients will experience all of the symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia with no apparent cause found under investigation. In these cases, it is possible that a sensitised brainstem is the cause of their symptoms.

This sensitised brainstem will receive typically non-threatening stimuli (such as light touches to the back of the head) as a threat and will respond by causing severe pain along the nerve’s distribution. As the brain continues to recognise this input as a threat, the brainstem becomes even more sensitive, causing the problem to become recurrent. Normal daily tasks such as brushing hair, or scratching your scalp can then become regular triggers, causing debilitating symptoms.

How is Occipital Neuralgia Diagnosed?

It can be difficult to diagnose occipital neuralgia. Given the similarity in symptoms of occipital neuralgia with those of the common migraine headache, it isn’t uncommon for them to be left undiagnosed for long periods of time. One differentiating factor of this painful condition between the two types of headaches are duration of attacks:

Occipital neuralgia episodes are typically short-lived. The sufferer will feel pain that lasts from a few seconds to several minutes, though the sharp pain can persist intermittently throughout the day.
Migraines can last for several hours to multiple days, often accompanied by additional symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances.

Diagnosing occipital neuralgia requires a thorough assessment by a Gold Coast Headache and Migraine Clinic™ practitioner to distinguish it from other headache and neck pain conditions. The process typically involves:

Clinical History: A detailed discussion of your symptoms, including pain location, triggers, and duration.
Physical Examination: A hands-on assessment of your cervical spine, occipital nerves, and surrounding muscles to identify areas of tenderness or sensitivity.
Diagnostic Nerve Blocks: In some cases, a referral for an occipital nerve block may be required. An occipital nerve block is an injection of local anaesthetic used to confirm the occipital neuralgia diagnosis. If the pain subsides temporarily after the injection, occipital neuralgia is likely.
Imaging Tests: While not always necessary, MRI or CT scans may be used to rule out structural causes, such as tumours or cervical spine abnormalities.

Given the overlap in head pain symptoms between occipital neuralgia and other headache disorders, an accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. At Gold Coast Headache and Migraine Clinic™, our approach includes a comprehensive assessment to determine whether brainstem sensitivity or cervical spine dysfunction is contributing to the condition.

Organise Your Initial Assessment

About The Assessment Stage

What To Expect During The Assessment

1. Comprehensive and in-depth examination

We will perform a thorough and in-depth examination to identify all of the factors that may be related to your headaches and migraines. We will focus particularly on your upper cervical spine in our assessment.

2. Ligamental stability and vertebral arterial tests

In order to ensure the highest level of safety is maintained, we routinely will assess the stability of the important ligaments in your upper cervical spine, prior to any assessment or treatment.

3. Temporarily reproduce your headache and migraine symptoms

During our assessment and treatment process, we will be applying gentle and specific pressure to your upper cervical spine in order to temporarily reproduce your headache symptoms. This helps us to identify the specific cause of your headaches.

Occipital Neuralgia – Quick Facts & FAQs

What is occipital neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is a headache disorder involving irritation of the occipital nerves, which travel from the upper neck into the scalp. It typically causes sharp, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain. While often mistaken for migraine, it is a distinct neurological condition frequently linked to neck dysfunction.

Common features include:

• Scalp sensitivity or tenderness
• Pain triggered by touch or specific neck movements
• Pain radiating toward the back of the head or behind the eyes

Anatomy of the Occipital Nerve

The Occipital Nerve is actually a group of nerves that arise from between the second and third cervical vertebrae (C2/C3) interact with each other. The Greater Occipital Nerve innervates the semispinalis capitis muscle, as well as the scalp.

The Lesser Occipital Nerve innervates the scalp and behind the ears. The Third Occipital Nerve, also referred to as the Least Occipital Nerve innervates the semispinalis capitis muscle, a small area below the base of the skull, and the C2/C3 zygapophyseal joints.

What causes occipital neuralgia?

In many cases, occipital neuralgia develops when the nerves become mechanically sensitised. This rarely stems from a single cause and is usually a combination of:

• Upper cervical joint dysfunction
• Muscular tightness in the suboccipital region
• Postural loading from prolonged desk work or “tech neck”
• Previous neck injury or whiplash

At Gold Coast Headache and Migraine Clinic™, we assess how these mechanical factors can increase nerve sensitivity.

Vascular causes of occipital nerve irritation

• Irritation of the C1/C2 nerve roots by an aberrant branch of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery

• Dural arteriovenous fistula at the cervical level

• Bleeding from a bulbocervical cavernomas

• Cervical intramedullar cavernous hemangioma

• Giant cell arteritis

• Fenestrated vertebral artery pressing on C1/C2 nerve roots

• Aberrant course of the vertebral artery

Neurogenic causes of occipital nerve irritation

• Schwannoma in the area of the craniocervical junction: schwannoma of occipital nerve

• C2 myelitis

• Multiple sclerosis

Osteogenic causes of occipital nerve irritation

• C1/C2 arthrosis, atlantodental sclerosis

• Hypermobile C1 posterior arch

• Cervical osteochondroma

• Osteolytic lesion of the cranium

• Exuberant callus formation after C1/C2 fracture

How long does occipital neuralgia last?

Duration varies widely. Some experience short flare-ups lasting a few days, while others develop persistent symptoms that continue for months. Because the pain is often driven by neck position and posture, episodes may fluctuate in intensity until the underlying cervical irritation is addressed.

How is occipital neuralgia treated?

Management depends on severity and the underlying drivers of nerve irritation. Short-term relief may involve medication or nerve blocks, however longer-term improvement generally focuses on reducing mechanical sensitivity in the upper cervical region and improving how the neck is functioning under load.

At Gold Coast Headache and Migraine Clinic™, clinicians use a non-invasive approach to guide management where appropriate. The Watson Headache Approach may assist in identifying sensitive upper cervical structures and informing a targeted treatment plan.

Treatment is typically supported with:

• gentle manual therapy approaches where indicated
• movement and load modification strategies
• education around posture and aggravating factors

Is occipital neuralgia serious?

While not life-threatening, occipital neuralgia can be severely disabling due to the intensity of the pain. Because symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a professional clinical assessment is essential to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.

Does occipital neuralgia go away?

Yes. In many cases, symptoms can improve when contributing mechanical factors are corrected. Outcomes tend to be more successful when treatment is targeted early, focusing on resolving the source of irritation rather than relying solely on symptom suppression.

How to diagnose occipital neuralgia?

Diagnosis is based on clinical history, examination of pain patterns, and sensitivity over the occipital nerve distribution. In some cases, diagnostic nerve blocks may be used to confirm the source of pain. Imaging such as MRI may also be recommended to rule out other causes.

Clinicians at Gold Coast Headache and Migraine Clinic™ use detailed assessment methods, including elements of the Watson Headache® Approach where appropriate, to help clarify whether cervical structures are contributing to symptoms.

How Do I Know If I Have Occipital Neuralgia?

(Attacks fulfilling criteria A-E)

Duration	Sudden and brief recurring attacks lasting from a few seconds to minutes
Location	Unilateral or bilateral pain often in the area of the greater, lesser and/or third occipital nerves which are located in the: – Upper neck areas – Base of skull – Radiating upwards toward the scalp – Behind the ear – Toward the top of the head – Forehead or eye
Quality of pain	Shooting, stabbing or electric shock-like pain
Severity	Severe intensity
Other characteristics	The pain is accompanied by the following: – Unpleasant or painful sensations (dysaesthesia and/or allodynia) in response to light touch or gentle stimulation of the scalp or hair – One or both of the following signs: * Sensitivity or tenderness over the course of the affected nerve branches * Trigger points located where the greater occipital nerve exits or within the C2 nerve distribution – Temporary relief of pain is achieved following a local anesthetic injection targeting the affected nerve or nerves

I’ve already tried everything.

What else can be done to help my Occipital Neuralgia?

Many of our patients who suffer from Occipital Neuralgia have tried many different therapies, including:

Medication to relieve pain (painkillers)
Nerve block injections
Anticonvulsant medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Occipital nerve stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation
Botox injections
Surgical treatment

These may have some short-term pain relief or mild benefits, but the pain always returns. This is where the Gold Coast Headache and Migraine Clinic™ can help. We are trained to specifically assess your cervical spine and the sensitivity of your brainstem, to see if they are the true cause of the painful condition. If that’s the case, then we can start Occipital Neuralgia treatment immediately, to cure the cause of your pain and not just cover up the symptoms.

Our Occipital Neuralgia Treatment

At the Gold Coast Headache and Migraine Clinic™, our treatment approach focuses on correcting cervical spine dysfunction and reducing brainstem sensitivity using our world-leading manual techniques. Physical therapy may also play a role in strengthening and stabilising the neck to help treat occipital neuralgia effectively and relieve pain.

Many patients experience noticeable relief within the first six sessions, with 85-90% reporting significant improvements. If you’re ready to take control of your pain, contact us today to begin your journey toward long-term relief—without reliance on occipital neuralgia medication or surgery.

What our clients have said

Excellent

4.9

Andrea Duffy

After being diagnosed with Sunct Trigeminal Neuralgia I was seeking treatment without drugs. After 2 months of treatments with Kevin I'm now pain free. Well worth the effort for a fantastic result, thanks team.

Sarah Jane

Seeing Doug & the team at BHMC has really changed my life, and I’m really grateful for the ongoing care and support. I used to think I had bad vertigo & I would feel dizzy and faint and light headed and nauseous all day everyday and couldn’t work, couldn’t do housework, couldn’t walk my dog, could barely stay standing to shower all because I had been walking around with an unaligned c2 &c3 in my neck due to years of bad posture and constantly hunching over at my desk at work or my head down looking at my phone all day. Migraines 2-3 times a week, constantly feeling pressure in my head and sharp pain, unable to sleep a full nights sleep, and not reacting well at all to prescription medications like valium, replax, and others. I finally got health insurance and headed into BHMC and in the 1st consultation, I was advised of a detailed diagnosis and knew I was in the right place to get help. I’d been struggling everyday for over a year with migraines, had to quit jobs, and was mentally struggling due to these physical symptoms, it was awful. I really wish i’d gone to get physio sooner! Please go and see BHMC, I have been in physio for less than 6 months (probably 10-15 appointments) and have never felt better and more stable. If you go here, try the sessions, buy the pillow, sit up straight, do the exercises, I promise you’ll be better off! Doug has been amazing & so professional, he really knows what hes doing. All the office team is lovely as well!

Samuel Cox

I have been seeing Dr. Woo for about 6 months now and he has been helping me manage my migraines fantastically.
I used to get on average 2 migraines a month, now I have gone 4 months with no migraines.

The cause of my migraines was very quickly diagnosed and its clear the team here prioritise the goal of self management, not the reliance on medication and continuous appointments.

Can recommend to anyone who suffers from Chronic Migraines, it may well be a life changer for you.

Han Wang

My headache problem has been lasting for many years and I suffer from it more frequently from the last 18 months. The quality of my life before treatment was affected tremendously. I simply couldn't enjoy lots of activities when headache attacks occur.
I started my headache treatment from the last few weeks and it has been very effective. It is very obvious to how I feel around my neck before and after the treatment. I haven't had any headache episode since.
I highly recommend this clinic and the physician named Douglas. He is courteous, gentle, very caring and most amazingly very knowledgeable and skillful. He was able to diagnose my headache issue and provide detailed explainations about my treatment plan and future preventative guidance.
I wish I had found this clinic earlier and for anyone who is suffering from headaches you should definitely give it a go.
Overall it's a nice and clean clinic, easy public transport and parking. Helpful and friendly admin staff too.
Thank you Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic Sunnybank Hills.

Celeste Cover

My healthy 7yr old son out of blue started having debilitating migraines about a year ago. Being a nurse I ensured we ruled out anything nasty by doing MRI and seeing specialist. But we kept getting no definitive answer as to why they were reoccuring. Being so young treatment options are limited until 12yrs of age and every episode we would end up at the emergency department with then specialist follow up appointments.

Something had to change. I then came across a fellow work colleague (GP) whom referred me to Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic. My son has been seeing David now at the spring hill clinic for over 2mnths, where he has worked absolute wonders. My son has had no episodes of a migraine to date yet.

David also ensure he educates his clients during the appointment, follows up with exercises and resources for you to use at home as well, easy management plans and a diary to track and see patterns as to why a migraine maybe triggered.

I would highly recommend these clinics to anyone suffering. The amount of knowledge and expertise by the staff is amazing.

I will always be praising them for the help with my son.

Sahan Amarasena

I have been seeing Sascha for about 3 weeks now. Thanks to Sascha, I have gone from 4-5 headaches a week to being headache free for over a week now. He is very knowledgeable and was quick to diagnose my problem. The treatment plan has been very clear and easy to follow at home. We have addressed all factors that are contributing to my headaches and I am confident of keeping my headaches under control thanks to the tools Sascha has taught me. Highly impressed with the team. They have been very professional, friendly and helpful throughout and been impressed with their customer service. Highly recommend these guys if you are someone who has been suffering with headache for a long time like myself.

Ana Uppman

Mattias and the staff at the clinic are wonderfully helpful and friendly. Mattias in particular helped me to manage chronic headaches and sinus effectively and naturally which has provided a huge amount of pain relief to me especially after so many years of discomfort. Thank you so much Mattias and staff.

Jesse Tamblyn

Diagnosed with Vestibular Neuritis, quickly turned into vestibular migraines of a hellish level. I was hallucinating constantly, pretty much 24/7 for a entire year. With no regular symptoms of a migraine other than extreme light sensitivity, my doctor ordered all the tests, nothing was helping.

After a few sessions with Sasch I have zero symptoms and none of my previous triggers are triggering any hallucinations/migraines.

Sasch is increadibly skilled at what he does and is very passionate about his clients. I am forever in a debt of gratitude.

kynan jones

I have had cluster headaches on and off for two years now and have had no clue what to do about it, I stumbled across Brisbane migraine and headache clinic, decided to give it a go and I could not be happier with the results from Mattias. My symptoms have dropped by an easy 90% and I can enjoy my days again.
Thank you Mattias and thank you Brisbane migraine and headache clinic.

Carter Bennett

So far my treatment at the Headache and Migraine clinic has been very helpful. As someone who experiences migraines often enough, I can say with confidence that after only a few months of treatment with practictioner Mattias, the frequency and severity has been reduced. Still a ways to go till Im migraine free, but I can say with confidence that this very interesting form of treatment works.

ARCHANACHOWDARY NALLAPANENI

David is really wonderful and he is a magician. I've been suffering from migraine headaches for past three years after I met David, and his treatment is like a miracle. I've been on treatment for five weeks now and haven't had any headaches.

Thank you heaps
David

Rachel de Vera

Best place to overcome your headache pain. This clinic will give you treatment to make your life free from migraine.

Luke Shanley

Ariel from Brisbane Migraine & Headache clinic was the only person that actually helped with my migraines. After seeing doctors & neurologists to no avail i decided to give it a go. I'm able to see friends, nieces & nephews again and working full time. This seemed impossible just over 2 months ago when I first started treatment. Gave me my life back.

Danielle Raftopoulos

I've seen Ariel for neck, back and knee pain/ injuries in the past. She does an excellent job with releasing muscles through dry needling and acupuncture which has relieves pain. Ariel provides exercises to do at home which are helpful. I've also seen all the other physios at the clinic. Highly recommend it.

Pawan Sandhu

I was suffering with bad migraine from last 13 years. Then I heard about Brisbane headache centre. I consulted with Dominic he is very professional and nice Physio. He find out the triggers and started my treatment since i seen him first till now I haven't had any headaches. I highly recommend people if you suffering with headache and migraine please go and consult with the team.
Thanks Dominic.

Brooke O'kell

I have had an amazing experience with Ariel at the clinic. I went there in horrific pain after been diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia and I was taking 12 nerve pain tablets a day. The clinic was recommended to me by a friend and I'm so glad I gave them a try because now after a couple of months I am pain free and down to one nerve tablet a day. It's hard to explain really how grateful I really am now to be spending Christmas with my family pain free after not been able to leave the house without crying in pain. I'm would give them 100 stars if I could and I've already recommended Ariel to some friends who suffer migraines. Thank you for everything Ariel your an amazing and lovely lady who really changed my life.

Cathy Biles

I have suffered from migraines for 30 years and I have found that the treatment that I am having at Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic is the most effective way I’ve found in preventing a migraine. I have been having treatment with Mattias for around 4 months, and at this stage I still do get some migraines, but they are getting a lot less frequent than they were before I started having treatment. Mattias is very understanding and explains each step of the treatment very thoroughly.

Candy Beanland

Dominic is a very polite person who has helped me a great deal with my migraine headaches. I am very grateful to him.

Emma Zonca

I've had a great experience being treated by Dominic. I was recently diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia and my symptoms have now massively reduced. The care and education I have received have been excellent. All staff have been welcoming and very lovely to deal with since my first appointment. I highly recommend Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic.

Ebony Smith

I've been receiving treatment from Mattias for a little over two months now and I cannot recommend this practice enough!!!
I have been struggling with Migraine headaches and terrifying aura symptoms for 10+ years and have tried absolutely everything (from medications, diets, all sorts of treatments and multiple specialist/neurologist appointments) in order to eliminate, ease or simply manage the pain.
Thank you to Mattias and the wonderful team at Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic for listening to my struggles with pain, understanding my issues, applying the right treatment that my body was receptive to...and most importantly.... they gave me a free jar of mints! What a DEAL!
10/10 recommend.

Cassandra Guse

2 months ago debilitating migraines were driving me crazy - and I finally snapped and called this clinic after 3 years of spending most of my spare time just resting and re-habbing my head and neck between work. I started treatments with Dominic immediately. And I am amazed to report that I haven't had a migraine since! I wish I had done it years earlier.

Dominic is pleasant, thorough, very knowledgeable and holistic in his advice, picking up on things which seem unrelated but were likely contributing to my headaches - and explains everything every step of the way. I can't recommend him highly enough.

Laura O'hearn

I have only been seeing Dominic from Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic for three weeks, but the change in my migraines has been dramatic. I have struggled with chronic migraines for over 20 years and I did not find daily medication helpful in controlling them. I wish I had known about Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic sooner as this has been a life-changing experience.

Paul Hewitt

There could not be too much praise for the services and results produced at this Centre .
I was suffering clusters of migraines and other neck pain. Went to Doctor, more medication!
Decided there has to be a better way.
Googled the Headache and Migraine Centre, met with Mattias, and Helen , a few visits and the relief was
significant . Small business could take a lesson from their efficiency as well,
Admin staff are all over everything, helping you to make appointment times that suit you.
If you had or having similar issues to mine..........Just go there .

Chimorne Bekker

Special thanks to Dominic for treating me at the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic. I have had roughly 11 sessions at the clinic and have been headache & migraine free for two weeks today. This may not seem very long, but it is for someone who experiences an attack every second day. My treatment is still ongoing, but the results are already promising.

I also have to mention that Dominic was the first specialist to notice that my C2-C3 cervical vertebrae were rotated/disturbed and recommended that we realign the vertebrae and desensitise my brain stem. This was a relief as specialists in the past have diagnosed me with anything from ethmoid sinusitis and occipital neuralgia to labelling it as “psychosomatic“.

I would highly recommend anyone suffering from migraines/headaches to arrange a consultation with Dominic.

Megan Tilley

After about 5 weeks of constant headaches, in complete desperation I contacted BHMC and within 4 sessions with Mathias, my headaches significantly reduced in severity and duration. Highly recommended!

Leo Tang

I would highly recommend Dr. Dominic who treats my migraine issue i have suffered for more than 20 years. The receptionist Helen is kindly and helpful. Nice and professional people here

Jordan Hardy

When I first booked an appointment with BHMC I was skeptical; I was in an accident a year before and suffered chronic migraines every other day. I had been told that medication was the only way to manage them until I found Mattias who explained what I had suspected and that the migraines could be managed by therapy on the neck. After seeing Mattias for a couple months I have found huge relief from the constant severe migraines. I still get them every now and then but no where near as often as before. They’re also less intense with lower durations. Mattias is super professional, friendly and keen to help where he can. He was always happy to talk through different aspects of my pain even when I’d speculate about why I’m feeling different things (as is chronic pain sufferers do). Thank you BHMC and thank you Mattias. I’ve been able to see the light at the end of the tunnel now.

Brea Dennis

Absolutely 110% highly recommend Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic!!! I have been to many different specialists and trying all sort of different medication and was taking aspirin with panadal pretty much every day. I have been experiencing horrible headaches and all these sharp bee sting pains in and around the eyes with electric shocks around the face. I have also experienced not so pleasant neurologists who were quite rude and didn't seem to care. Doing my research, I came across these guys and the lovely Helen was such a delight over the phone and felt very welcomed. She is beautiful inside and out. I had fantastic experience with Mattias and really took the time and explained everything. Not only is he very knowledgeable and professional, but was very kind. I no longer rely on medication and can wear my favourite scents as they used to trigger pain within seconds.
I will miss them as I am moving interstate but will come see them if I'm up this way.
Do yourself a favour and checks these guys out :)

Rodrigo Villanueva

I have been attending this wonderful services for approximately 3 weeks now. Mattias has been providing treatment for "Cervicogenic Vertigo". After my 1st session I noticed significant improvement, something that no other health professional has been able to do for the past 3 plus years, I have seen separate neurologists, acupuncturist, equilibrium physiotherapist, many GP's, have been send to many head scans, have had cold and warm air in my ears, I have seen a ear, nose and throat specialist and everyone had failed to do what Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic did from the very first session, it is still early days to my recovery but I am very grateful for the treatment that I have so far received from Mattias and the team, I have been able to do simple things that in the past 3 years was impossible, otherwise I would have been very unwell and completely written off.

I would highly recommend seeking treatment from Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic, I was wrongly diagnosed a number of times, given lots of medication and I am very much looking forward and hopefully one day with the assistance of Mattias moving forward in my recovery.

Monique Finlayson

After way too many years of dealing with migraines and shoulder pain, I decided it was appropriate to go and seek another type of natural pain treatment to eliminate my pain and medication altogether - which is exactly the outcome I have received! I started seeing Ariel for my chronic migraine treatment 2 months ago and during this time my neck and shoulder are feeling great and my migraines are basically a thing of the past (If you suffer with migraines, this relief is life changing!) Ariel was able to assess me and explain her findings very simply- yet professionally! She is dedicated and takes care and time to treat and know her patients. The reception staff are lovely and efficient and the clinic is run very promptly! I will continue to visit Ariel for treatment indefinitely and highly recommend visiting this clinic if you are experiencing severe pain and would like a chance at treating it effectively!

Jeff Patterson

Bertrand provides a unique service like no other. I’ve had every headache treatment there is but there has only ever been 1-2 types of treatments that have provided positive results. The less evasive treatment that Bertrand applies results in very fast results that last. Would highly recommend this service for anyone with chronic headaches. Bertrand’s alway friendly & welcoming which makes all appointments relaxing.

Kelly Anne

Bertrand is nothing but AMAZING! I suffered from Vestibular Migraine with strong vertigo symptoms and daily dizziness for 15 years before finding Bertrand. Proper diagnosis and treatment from him has given me the most relief ever, I am medication free, and haven’t had severe vertigo since starting treatment. I am not struggling at work like I used to and I am getting my social life back. And can even have a few alcoholic drinks on a Friday night without it bringing on an attack. I train at the gym with no fatigue for days afterwards anymore. I have my life back thanks to Bertrand. Thank you so much, what you do is fantastic. The entire team from front office staff to Bertrand are friendly and helpful.

Jenny Tate

I have been suffering from haemoplegic migraines for 50 years.
Since living in Brisbane I've discovered the Migraine Clinic and Bertrand Doeuk. What a wonderful man. He started by manipulating my neck, hurt like hell but he was so gentle with soothing music playing in the background. He got me to stand straight improving my posture and before long I was standing inches taller. I go regularly and do daily exercises.
Bertrand and his team are very approachable and professional, and after 50 years he is giving me and my family my life back.
Thank you.

Tanya Winter

I went to see Bertrand at Brisbane Headache and Migraine clinic after 9 months of suffering with debilitating vertigo due to Vestibular Migraine. When I first saw Bertrand I couldn’t do simple daily tasks like going to the shops, unstacking the dishwasher or going for a walk due to the unsteadiness and dizziness from the vertigo. Now I can do all of those things, and have even been riding a bike and surfing. Bertrand is so professional, knowledgeable as well as being extremely caring, and is the definitely the person to see if you get migraines!

alice clarke

I was a chronic migraine sufferer for a long time, sometimes getting two in a week and often every week. These greatly inhibited my ability to live a normal, functioning life. I had tried all sorts of medications and, by the time I found the Headache and Migraine Clinic, I was quite desperate. After only about 6 sessions with Bertrand all headaches had stopped and I have lived for 4 years without experiencing a single migraine.
Recently I have had a couple of migraines and so have returned to the clinic. I have complete confidence that the results will be the same as before. I cannot recommend this practice more highly.

Patrick Davey

I have had migraines for the last 23 years, some bad enough to lose my sight temporarily. I tried many types of massages, physio's and chiropractors but only got temporary relief. After seeing Bertrand for 3 months and doing upper neck migraine treatment I haven't had a migraine since, even 6 months after finishing treatment. Bertrand is a friendly guy who genuinely cares about me as a patient and is happy to explain anything about treatment I'm curious about, and knows his speciality very well. His methods are researched and verifiable, and I recommend anyone who suffers from migraines go see him.

Petah Jensen

I've been seeing Ariel for just over a couple months now and i have found this treatment to be working for me. Ariel is such a wonderful lady and always makes me feel welcome and comfortable. I highly recommend her and the clinic.

Alex Envr

For 8 years I have suffered from constant symptoms relating to vestibular migraine (as diagnosed by a specialist). For the last two years my symptoms were so severe I was unable to leave my home at all.

Since commencing treatment with Bertrand at Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic two months ago, the severity of my symptoms has drastically reduced. I am now at a level of functionality where I can enjoy some recreational time with my family outside of home. As I continue with my treatment plan I am optimistic I will soon have the capacity to return to full time employment.

I strongly recommend anyone suffering from symptoms of migraine to consult with Bertrand at Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic as a first course of action.

Bertrand himself is a friendly and knowledgeable professional and I am greatly appreciative of his efforts and expertise in treating my condition. Admin staff at the Pinelands clinic are warm and welcoming which is also bonus!

Andrew Bozin

After 15 years of regular debilitating migraines and many attempts to get on top of them, I finally found Ariel at the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Centre. Within just a few months, Ariel's expertise and guidance made all the difference and I'm delighted to say I'm now migraine free. Thank you so much Ariel, I'm forever grateful! The reception staff, who are always friendly and efficient, also deserve special mention. I can't recommend the centre enough (where's the six star option Google?).

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Occipital Neuralgia Treatment

The Role of the Occipital Nerve

Anatomy of the Occipital Nerve

What are the possible causes of irritation?

Vascular

Neurogenic

Osteogenic

Muscular

Sensitised Brainstem

How is Occipital Neuralgia Diagnosed?

What To Expect During The Assessment

Occipital Neuralgia – Quick Facts & FAQs

What is occipital neuralgia?

Anatomy of the Occipital Nerve

What causes occipital neuralgia?

Vascular causes of occipital nerve irritation

Neurogenic causes of occipital nerve irritation

Osteogenic causes of occipital nerve irritation

How long does occipital neuralgia last?

How is occipital neuralgia treated?

Is occipital neuralgia serious?

Does occipital neuralgia go away?

How to diagnose occipital neuralgia?

How Do I Know If I Have Occipital Neuralgia?

What else can be done to help my Occipital Neuralgia?

Our Occipital Neuralgia Treatment

What our clients have said

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