Archives of Plastic Surgery

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (대한성형외과학회)
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Case Series and Literature Review of Up-to-date Surgical Management of Occipital Neuralgia

  • Seok Joon Lee (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine) ;
  • Joo Seok Park (AMUN Plastic Surgery Clinic) ;
  • Woo Shik Jeong (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2023.08.04
  • Accepted : 2024.06.24
  • Published : 2024.11.15
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Abstract

Nerve decompression is an emerging surgical treatment option for patients with occipital neuralgia. However, limited research is available on the efficacy of this treatment in South Korea. This retrospective study evaluates the efficacy of nerve decompression surgery in patients with chronic migraines, specifically focusing on occipital neuralgia, in South Korea. Between January 2019 and December 2022, six patients diagnosed with occipital neuralgia, who had not responded to conservative treatments, underwent nerve decompression surgery. This procedure, performed under local anesthesia, involved decompression of the greater and/or lesser occipital nerves. Patient data were analyzed for headache frequency and intensity (using the Numeric Rating Scale [NRS]) and the decrease in oral medications needed postsurgery. Results showed significant improvement in headache symptoms postsurgery, with the average preoperative NRS score of 7.9 dropping to 3.7 postoperatively. Additionally, the average number of medications used decreased from 3.2 to 1.3. No significant surgical complications were reported. The study highlights the potential of nerve decompression as an effective treatment for occipital neuralgia, particularly in cases resistant to traditional medical management.

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References

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