Cerebellar syndrome after occipital nerve block: A case report

Occipital nerve blocks are commonly used in the treatment of different types of refractory headaches. The procedure is considered safe, and serious complications have rarely been described.

We report a serious complication of occipital nerve blockade secondary to the penetration of local anesthetic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs into the posterior fossa in a patient affected by type I Arnold Chiari malformation.

This case reminds that a proper injection technique is mandatory to avoid potentially severe complications when performing occipital nerve blocks.