Background and Purpose: In chronic migraines(CM), the rate of benefiting
from medical treatment is relatively low, and it is known that patients
use analgesics extensively. Greater occipital nerve (GON) block, have
been started to be used in chronic migraine patients who were refractory
to treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the headache attack
frequency, analgesic use, VAS (Visual Analog Scale) and MIDAS (Migraine
Disability Assessment Scale) scores in the 3-month follow-up of patients
we had performed a GON block in our clinic for chronic migraine
refractory to medical treatment. Methods: A total of 120 CM patients
were included in the study. The number of analgesics used, the number of
days with pain, and the VAS and MIDAS scores were recorded before the
GON block and at one and three months of treatment. Results: There was a
statistically significant (p<0.001*) reduction in the number
of days with pain, analgesic use, and the VAS and MIDAS scores in the
first and third months compared to the pre-treatment baseline values in
patients who had undergone a GON block. No significant differences
between the first and third months. Conclusions: After the GON block, we
noted a significant reduction of headaches and improved quality of life
in patients who had been experiencing severe headaches despite medical
treatment. The GON block has an exceptionally high benefit rate, might
be considered as a treatment option before migraines gain chronicity,
patients are not exposed to an excessive medical burden and increased
treatment costs. Keywords: Headache; Chronic migraine; Greater occipital
nerve block.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Greater Occipital Nerve Block in Patients Receiving and Not Receiving Medical Prophylactic Treatment in Chronic Migraine
