How to effectively manage occipital neuralgia?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 25-year-old female experiencing pain in my neck and head. The pain in my head worsens when I laugh or cough, and also when I sit up or stand up. Additionally, I feel pain in the base of my neck.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Regarding your symptoms, I believe you have developed occipital neuralgia, which is pain around the neck and head aggravated by certain activities. It could be due to tension headaches or meningitis.

Have you experienced lethargy, dizziness, or a sore throat recently?

Please undergo the following tests: CBC (complete blood count), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein), lumbar puncture, or even a CT (computed tomography) scan of the brain and neck.

Also, please take the following medications: two tablets of Celecoxib 200 mg orally twice daily, and two tablets of Dexamethasone 4 mg orally three times daily, both for two weeks. If your symptoms persist, please schedule another appointment for follow-up via chat, phone, or video consultation.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.