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The occiput is the part of the human skull at the back of the head. Its task is to cover the brain from behind and from below. Pain can sometimes occur in this area, which can be a symptom of migraine, spine disorders, and also cancer. What is the pain in the back of the head associated with? What could it be a symptom of? What to do if it occurs?
- Pain in the back of the head is often caused by problems with the cervical spine
- It can also be a symptom of more serious diseases, such as stroke or cancer
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Occipital pain – where does it come from?
The pain that appears around the back of the head does not necessarily mean great trouble. It may be the result of overload or prolonged stress. However, if the pain is persistent, persistent, or repeated, it may be a cause for concern. It may be a sign of serious pathological changes in the human body. It often radiates towards the neck and shoulders, making it difficult to locate. Therefore, it is often an indication for computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the head.
Talk to your healthcare professional about any disturbing symptoms. You can choose the e-visit option, during which the doctor will order appropriate tests and issue an e-Prescription. Make an appointment online and do not wait for a distant date.
Causes of pain in the back of the head
One of the most common causes of pain in occiput there is a problem with the cervical spine. It is usually blunt and radiates towards the neck and shoulders. It can be caused by a congenital defect, such as fused C1 and C2 vertebrae. Developing inflammation and injuries sustained, for example, during road accidents, can also contribute to it. Therefore, it is often an indication for computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the head or spine.
Pain in the back of the head can also be a symptom of a disorder known as neuralgia. It arises as a result of the degeneration of the cervical segment, when one nerve is compressed, which is manifested by pain in the back of the head. Neuralgia may also be the result of muscle tension in this area, which is the result of chronic, severe stress. Sedentary work can also contribute to its creation. This disorder is called Arnold’s neuralgia and involves injury to the suboccipital nerve that runs from below towards the top of the skull. Neuralgia usually presents as sudden, severe pain, usually on one side of the nape of the neck, which radiates to the forehead. It is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and tinnitus. Arnold’s neuralgia can also be caused by factors such as cancer and diabetes.
In this case, it is worth performing a package of diagnostic tests for diabetes, which will allow you to assess whether the pain in the back of the head may be related to elevated blood sugar levels that may affect not only sleep disorders, but also well-being.
Occipital tumors and neoplasms
A tumor may also appear on the back of the head. It is not always synonymous with cancer, but you should consult your doctor to rule out this possibility. A common cause of pain radiating to the back of the head may be cancerous tumors that form in the lower part of the skull. Usually they also radiate to the nape and neck. Sudden attacks of acute pain in the back of the head do not have to be a symptom of cancer – it is also a characteristic symptom of an impending stroke.
Read also: First aid for heart attack and stroke
Brain tumors can be associated with other symptoms besides pain in the back of the head. These include vision problems, nausea, and tinnitus. A very characteristic symptom is the numbness of the feet and hands.
The throbbing pain in the back of the head can also be the result of a lumbar puncture, often performed before surgery to administer anesthesia. Also in this case, the accompanying ailment may be vomiting, and the problems usually worsen when lifting the head, and also when trying to change the position. Then it is necessary to follow the postoperative recommendations of the doctor – this should reduce the symptoms.
Another disorder that is accompanied by severe pain in the back of the head is arterial hypertension. In this case, it most often appears in the morning – under the circumstances of a pressure surge. Along with it, there may be tinnitus.
The diagnosis of the disorder, which is manifested by pain in the back of the head, is therefore not easy. When in doubt, an extended diagnosis is the best option.