Greater occipital nerve (GON) block seems to be an effective option for acute management of migraine headache, with promising reductions in pain scores, a recent study found. This retrospective cohort study was undertaken between January 2009 and August 2014 and included patients who underwent at least 1 GON block and attended at least 1 follow-up appointment. Change in the 11-point numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) was used to assess the response to GON block. A total of 562 patients met inclusion criteria; 423 were women (75%); mean age was 58.6 ± 16.7 years. Response was defined as “minimal” (less than 30% NPRS point reduction), “moderate” (31% to 50% NPRS point reduction), or “significant” ( greater than 50% NPRS point reduction). Researchers found:
- Of total patients, 459 (82%) rated their response to GON block as moderate or significant.
- No statistically significant relationship existed between previous treatment regimens and response to GON block.
- GON block was equally effective across the different age and sex groups.
Greater occipital nerve block for acute treatment of migraine headache: A large retrospective cohort study. J Am Board Fam Med . 2018;31(2):211-218. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2018.02.170188.