Korean J Anesthesiol.  2019 Oct;72(5):479-485. 10.4097/kja.19145.

Ultrasound-guided greater occipital nerve block with botulinum toxin for patients with chronic headache in the occipital area: a randomized controlled trial

• Ryu JH
• Shim JH
• Yeom JH
• Shin WJ
• Cho SY
• Jeon WJ

• KMID: 2465747
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kja.19145

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Ultrasound-guided greater occipital nerve (GON) block has been frequently used to treat various types of headaches, and botulinum toxin has recently begun to be used in patients with headache. Our study presents the long-term effect of botulinum toxin on GON block using ultrasound in patients with chronic headache in occipital area.
METHODS
Patients with occipital headache were divided into two groups (bupivacaine: BUP group [n = 27], botulinum toxin: BTX group [n = 27]), and ultrasound-guided GON block was performed at the C2 level. GON was detected with ultrasound and distance from GON to midline, from the skin surface to GON, and size of GON were measured in both groups. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Likert scale were assessed at pretreatment and at 1, 4, 8, and 24 weeks after treatment in both groups.
RESULTS
The distance from GON to midline was 18.9 ± 4.4 mm (right) and 17.3 ± 3.8 mm (left). The depth from the skin was 12.9 ± 1.5 mm (right) and 13.4 ± 1.6 mm (left). GON size was 3.1 mm on both sides. The VAS score and patient satisfaction score (Likert scale) in 4, 8, and 24 weeks after injection were superior for the BTX than the BUP group.
CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound-guided GON block using BTX is effective in reducing short-term and long-term pain in patients with chronic headache in the occipital area.

Keyword

Botox; Greater occipital nerve block; Headache; Likert scale; Long term follow up; Ultrasound; Visual analogue scale

MeSH Terms

Botulinum Toxins*
Headache
Headache Disorders*
Humans
Nerve Block*
Patient Satisfaction
Skin
Ultrasonography
Botulinum Toxins