Ultrasonic doppler flowmeter-guided occipital nerve block.
BACKGROUND
Greater occipital nerve block is used in the treatment of headaches and neuralgia in the occipital area. We evaluated the efficacy of ultrasonic doppler flowmeter-guided occipital nerve block in patients experiencing headache in the occipital region in a randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
Twenty-six patients, aged 18 to 70, with headache in the occipital region, were included in the study. Patients received a greater occipital nerve block performed either under ultrasonic doppler flowmeter guidance using 1% lidocaine or the traditional method. Sensory examination findings in the occipital region were evaluated.


RESULTS
The complete block rate of greater occipital nerve blockade in the doppler group was significantly higher than in the control group respectively (76.9% vs. 30.8%, P < 0.05). Only one patient in the control group had a complication (minimal bleeding).


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasonic doppler flowmeter-guided occipital nerve block may be a useful method for patients suffering headache in the occipital region.
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Se Hee
SH
Na
Tae Wan
TW
Kim
Se-Young
SY
Oh
Tae Dong
TD
Kweon
Kyung Bong
KB
Yoon
Duck Mi
DM
Yoon
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