Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Treatment of Occipital Neuralgia: A Case Report

Occipital neuralgia is the third most common headache syndrome after migraine and tension type headaches. There is no well-established treatment regimen for a reliable cure. The current case presents a 39-year-old woman, diagnosed with occipital neuralgia of idiopathic cause. The condition was difficult to control by conservative or interventional approaches. The patient was started on conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, 3 sessions per week. After the procedure, the patient achieved significant pain relief: 1-2/10 on the numeric rating scale, pain initially being 10/10. With maintenance therapy consisting of physical therapy, deep tissue massage, and muscle relaxants, 12 months after starting transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy, she is pain free.