Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache disorder stemming from the cervical spine or soft tissues of the neck. This type of headache is characterized by unilateral pain that initiates in the neck and radiates towards the fronto-temporal region. It often correlates with neck movement, sustained awkward head positions, or external pressure on the cervical structures.

The pathophysiology involves a complex interaction between cervical nociceptive inputs into the trigeminocervical nucleus, resulting in referred pain perceived in areas supplied by trigeminal nerve branches. The most common source of cervicogenic headache is mechanical dysfunction in upper three cervical vertebrae joints.

Differential diagnosis can be challenging due to its overlap with primary headaches like tension-type or migraine. Diagnostic Blocks remain gold standard for confirming cervicogenic headaches despite limitations like placebo response and lack of long-term efficacy data.

Treatment strategies involve multimodal approach including physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, and interventional procedures like nerve blocks or radiofrequency neurotomy, aiming at reducing pain and improving quality of life.

Exact Match Keyword: Cervicogenic Headache
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Category: Health & Medicine
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Parent Category: Medical Conditions
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Synonyms: Neck-related headache
Similar Searches: Cervical headache, Cervicogenic migraine, Neck-induced headache
Related Searches:
1. Causes of cervicogenic headaches
2. Treatment for cervicogenic headaches
3. Symptoms of cervicogenic headaches

Geographic Relevance:
1. Worldwide

Topically Relevant Entities:
1. Neck pain
2. Spinal misalignment
3. Occipital neuralgia