Cervicogenic headache

Cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that originates from the cervical spine or the neck. It is a secondary headache, meaning it is caused by another illness or physical issue.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a cervicogenic headache is a pain that starts in the neck and then spreads to the head. Other symptoms can include:

• Stiff neck
• Pain on one side of the face or head
• Pain when moving the neck
• Nausea
• Blurred vision

Causes

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems with the bones, nerves, and muscles in the neck and spine. These can include:

• Neck injury
• Whiplash
• Arthritis
• Herniated disc
• Tumors

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cervicogenic headache can be challenging as the symptoms often overlap with those of other types of headaches. Doctors may use a variety of tests to diagnose this condition, including:

• Physical examination
• MRI
• CT scan
• X-ray

Treatment

Treatment for cervicogenic headache focuses on treating the underlying cause of the headache. This can include:

• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Surgery
• Nerve block

See also

• Migraine
• Tension headache
• Cluster headache

References

Cervicogenic headache Resources
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