Lesser Occipital Nerve Syndrome

Lesser Occipital Nerve Syndrome: Understanding, Symptoms and Treatment

Lesser Occipital Nerve Syndrome, also known as lesser occipital nerve syndrome (syndromum nervi occipitalis minoris), is a condition that is associated with irritation or compression of the lesser occipital nerve. This nerve is one of the branches of the greater occipital nerve, which arises from the cervical vertebra and provides innervation to the occipital region of the head.

Lesser Occipital Nerve Syndrome can result from a variety of causes, including trauma, inflammation, compression of the nerve or its vascular supply structures, and mechanical irritation. The main symptoms of this syndrome include:

  1. Pain in the occipital region: Patients with Lesser Occipital Nerve Syndrome often complain of unilateral or bilateral pain in the occipital region. The pain can be sharp, dull, throbbing or burning.

  2. Numbness and Tingling: In some cases, patients may experience numbness, tingling or hissing in the occipital region, which may extend to the temple or back of the head.

  3. Headache: Some patients may complain of headache, which may be associated with pain in the occipital region.

  4. Sensitivity to Touch: Touching or lightly touching the back of the head may cause a painful reaction in patients with this syndrome.

Diagnosis of Lesser Occipital Nerve Syndrome may include a physical examination, patient history, and additional imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). These methods can identify possible structural changes or compression of the nerve.

Treatment for Lesser Occipital Nerve Syndrome may include conservative approaches and surgery, depending on the severity of symptoms and the cause of the syndrome. Conservative treatment may include medications to relieve pain and inflammation, physical therapy, spinal manipulation, or corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation and pressure on the nerve.

In cases where conservative treatment does not provide adequate relief, surgery may be necessary to relieve compression or irritation of the lesser occipital nerve. Surgical options may include decompressing the nerve, removing vascular structures that may be putting pressure on the nerve, or reconstructing the nerve if damage is present.

It is important to note that the symptoms of Lesser Occipital Nerve syndrome may be similar to other pathologies, such as migraine, cervical osteochondrosis, cervical radiculitis and others. Therefore, it is important to conduct a comprehensive examination and obtain professional advice for an accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment.

In conclusion, Lesser Occipital Nerve Syndrome is a condition associated with irritation or compression of the lesser occipital nerve. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling and tenderness in the back of the head. Diagnosis includes physical examination and instrumental research, and treatment can range from conservative methods to surgery. If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.



Lesser occipital nerve syndrome (Storzberg) is a rare condition in which the lesser occipital nerve, which runs from the spinal cord to the side of the head, is damaged or torn. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and awkwardness in one or both arms. This syndrome is often associated with neck problems such as pain, limited movement, and muscle tension. Treatment may include massage, stretching exercises, and medication depending on the severity of symptoms.

The occipital nerve is one of several nerves in the brain that play an important role in controlling movement of the upper limb, especially the arm. It starts from the lateral part of the spinal cord, passes through the cranial canal and ends in the brain. Its terminal branches then travel through the shoulders and arms to reach the muscles and tendons of the fingers, wrists and forearms. Lesser occipital or Starzberg syndrome is usually caused by neck trauma, cervical compression, or other upper body trauma such as choking. As a result of this, the lesser occipital nerves may be subject to various disorders. Treatment for small nuchal fiber syndrome includes medications to relieve pain and inflammation, as well as physical therapy to relax and increase muscle flexibility. Other treatments may include acupuncture