If you’ve ever wondered why Occipital Neuralgia does not appear on MRI’s, you are not alone. In this clip, Dr. Angelo Leto Barone (@angelo_leto_baronemd) breaks down why imaging often fails to capture occipital nerve compression. Make sure to go to our YouTube channel to watch the full Q&A! Key points we discussed: -What is ON? -Etiology & Causes -Diagnosis -Plastic Surgeons vs Neurosurgeons -Conservative & Surgical Treatment Options -Role of MRI in ON -Pain Unmasking Following Surgery -Insurance Coverage YouTube: Occipital Neuralgia Foundation https://youtu.be/wYK317J_fyg #occipitalneuralgia #occipitalneuralgiafoundation #headache #nervepain (fb)

This week’s warrior is Maegan. Here’s her story... Maegan is from Beaumont, Texas and she began experiencing symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia (ON) as a teenager. However, it was nearly ten years later when she received a formal diagnosis of ON from a neurologist. Her pain intensified during graduate school and worsened significantly after a roller coaster ride, which left her bedridden for months. The pain began at the base of her skull and radiated upward and around the front of her head leaving her unable to move her head. She describes her headaches as mimicking a stroke— at times experiencing slurred speech. Certain smells, lights, and sounds would trigger her symptoms, making it nearly impossible to go out in public most days. Over the years, Maegan tried a wide range of treatments including migraine medications, Botox, nerve blocks, trigger point injections, physical and vision therapy, and heat and ice therapy. But nothing brought lasting relief. She then traveled to Houston, TX, where she underwent nerve decompression surgery with Dr. Pamela Blake. Maegan explains that Dr. Blake and her reconstructive surgeon gave her a life that she did not think was possible. She describes it as the best decision she has ever made. Since the surgery back in 2018, Maegan has about one flare up a year, which she is able to manage with a short course of oral steroids or trigger point injections. She came off all neuro medications and has earned her doctorate, works in academia, and lives fully and actively in her community. “I couldn’t see past a day with my severe ON symptoms and now I can do anything I set my mind to,” she says. Maegan also credits her mother as her greatest support system, saying “My mother has been my biggest support system. She was there with me every day when I had my worst symptoms and helped me through my post operative care. She should receive much of the credit for how well I have done post-decompression surgery.” When asked what advice she would like to give to others dealing with ON, here is what she had to say: "You are your best advocate. Find a doctor that you can truly partner with to help navigate your ON journey. Your doctor is your most important resource to help you live a better life while managing ON. Some days will be worse than others, but there is going to be a day when you are able to live a full life without constant ON symptoms. Treat ON holistically and focus on your mental health as it is just as important as your physical health." She adds: "There are several things I wish people understood about Occipital Neuralgia. First, it is a chronic condition that deserves empathy like other short-term illnesses receive. Second, be understanding. Environmental triggers can be difficult to identify and can also vary day-to-day. Please be patient and allow the individual to have a quiet place to decompress. Lastly, physical accommodations help tremendously, including work stations and other mobility areas." Thank you for sharing your story, Maegan. (fb)