Temporary Peripheral Occipital Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache: A Case Report

In this case series, a novel technique utilizing temporary high cervical occipital nerve stimulation is described in the treatment of 4 patients with cervicogenic headache. Permanent neuromodulation of the occipital nerves is a well described and effective technique but with historically high rates of equipment complications. These four patients underwent placement of 2 subcutaneously tunneled temporary peripheral nerve stimulator leads at the superior aspect of the C2-3 facet joint, targeting the C3 medial branch, the posterior fibers of which also contribute to the third and lesser occipital nerves. Sixty days of this stimulation demonstrated effectiveness in treating cervicogenic headache symptoms for several months' duration.