Occipital osteomylelitis and epidural abscess after occipital nerve block: A case report

Occipital neuralgia is a paroxysmal jabbing pain in the distribution of the greater or lesser occipital nerves accompanied by diminished sensation in the affected area. Occipital nerve block is a common diagnostic and therapeutic tool used in the course of occipital neuralgia and is considered a safe treatment with few localized adverse events. Occipital nerve block is also indicated for cervicogenic and cluster headache and is often used as a rescue treatment for headaches not responding to conventional therapies. We describe a case of epidural abscess formation 16 days following occipital nerve block in a patient with no underlying medical conditions. This case report emphasizes the importance of strict aseptic technique to reduce infection rates in patients undergoing this procedure, despite the overall safety of occipital nerve block. Clinicians must remain aware of acute and late complications arising postprocedure for the safe practice of this technique.