Occipital Neuralgia
Relief for Sharp, Shock-Like Pain at the Base of the Skull
What Is Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the greater, lesser, or third occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord through the scalp. When these nerves are irritated or compressed, they can cause intense, stabbing pain at the base of the skull, sometimes radiating upward to the scalp, forehead, and behind the eyes.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp, shock-like pain in the back of the head or upper neck
- Throbbing or burning sensations along the scalp
- Pain behind one or both eyes
- Tenderness or sensitivity to touch at the base of the skull
- Pain triggered by head movement, brushing hair, or resting on a pillow
Occipital neuralgia is often misdiagnosed as migraine or tension headache, leading to delayed or ineffective treatment.
Common Causes
Occipital neuralgia may result from:
- Whiplash injuries or neck trauma
- Chronic neck tension or poor posture
- Arthritis or degenerative disc disease
- Compression of the occipital nerves by muscles or connective tissue
- Post-surgical scarring in the neck or upper spine
How Cryoneurolysis Helps
Dr. Igor Filipovski offers ultrasound-guided cryoneurolysis to selectively deactivate the occipital nerves responsible for pain — without permanently damaging the nerve.
Benefits of Cryoneurolysis:
- Minimally invasive: No incisions, no general anesthesia
- Long-lasting relief: Many patients experience months of pain reduction
- Precision guided: Real-time ultrasound imaging ensures safety and accuracy
- No opioids: A drug-free approach to chronic pain management
- Repeatable: Treatment can be safely repeated if symptoms return
Ideal Candidates
Cryoneurolysis may be an effective option if you:
- Experience chronic pain at the base of the skull or upper neck
- Have tried medications or nerve blocks without lasting success
- Prefer a non-surgical alternative to nerve ablation
- Have pain following whiplash, cervical injury, or postural strain
Reclaim Comfort & Clarity
Occipital neuralgia can interfere with sleep, work, and quality of life. Cryoneurolysis offers a safe, focused way to manage the pain and get back to living.
Book your consultation with Dr. Filipovski at Copenhagen Cryo Center today.
Head & Facial Pain Conditions We Treat
Cryoneurolysis may be an effective treatment for several forms of nerve-related pain in the head and face:
Coverage (Capital Region of Denmark)
Referred patients do not have to pay for the treatment themselves.
All citizens and patients in the Capital Region can be referred from any hospital department for pain treatment at Cryo Center Copenhagen.
| Prices in DKK | |
|---|---|
| Consultation | 1.350,- kr |
| Subsequent consultations in the same course of treatment (up to 3 months) | 640,- kr |
| Ultrasound-guided diagnostic blockade | 3.000,- kr |
| Cryoneurolysis treatment for pain | 14,800,– kr |
| Cryoneurolysis treatment of spasticity Upper extremity including 6 weeks/12 hours of training | 27,500,- kr |
| Cryoneurolysis treatment of spasticity Lower limb including 6 weeks/12 hours of training | 27,500,- kr |
Meet Your Care Team
Real clinicians, modern methods, and a patient-first approach.
Igor Filipovski
Specialist in anesthesiology
René Kestenholz
Nurse Anesthetist and Intensive Care Nurse
Freja
Clinic Assistant
Katrine
Clinic Assistant
Frederikke
Clinic Assistant
Clara
Clinic Assistant
Victoria
Clinic Assistant
Sonja Zikova
Administration and Finance Manager
What Our Patients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
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Clinic Information
Address:
Østerbrogade 62, 2. sal, th.
2100 Østerbro
Copenhagen
Phone: +45 53 62 97 89
Monday through Thursday: 09:00 – 14:00
Friday: 09:00 – 12:00
Saturday and Sunday: By appointment
