Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Minimally Invasive Surgical Decompression of Occipital Nerves
Published on: September 13, 2024
Pain referral patterns of the C1 to C3 nerves: implications for headache disorders
Mollie M Johnston1, Sheldon E Jordan, Andrew C Charles
1Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
Abstract:
The cervical nerves may play a significant role in primary headache disorders. We reviewed the patterns of pain evoked by stimulation of the first 3 cervical nerves (C1-C3) in 10 patients with chronic occipital pain, 6 of whom also had migraine. Stimulation at the C1 level evoked periorbital and frontal pain in 6 of 6 patients with migraine but evoked occipital or cervical pain in those without migraine. C2 and C3 stimulation resulted in occipital or cervical pain in all patients. The C1 nerve may have an important sensory function in headache disorders that have orbital and frontal pain as a prominent feature.
Related Concept Videos
Spinal Nerves: Anatomy
There are 31 bilateral pairs of spinal nerves, each emerging from the spinal cord through the intervertebral foramina—openings between adjacent vertebrae. These nerves are...
The Spinal Cord
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Major Somatic Sensory Pathways

