Dr. Krusz is a recognized expert in the fields of
headache and Migraine treatment and pain treatment
To read more about Dr. Krusz, click HERE.

     I have had migraine type headaches for years. I take Imitrex and it works sometimes. These headaches are a daily thing and often wake me up at 4:30 in the morning just like clockwork.
     I was told some time ago that I had occipital neuralgia. I tried the block and it worked but not for long. I have been thinking of having the occipital nerve operated on. I know that one of the side effects is numbness in the back of the head. Can you tell me what some of the other side effects might be.
Thanks
Karla

REPLY:
Dear Karla:
     Morning migraines are a variant of other migraines. Often, the sleep pattern is poor, with not feeling refreshed in the AM as a prominent complaint. Also, taking over-the-counter medications can help fuel early AM migraines.
     Occipital neuralgia is a different issue altogether. If occipital nerve blocks didn't help, I would not pursue more aggressive methods. They often "work" for a short while and, then, the headaches are back!
John Claude Krusz

We have a directory of specialists on our site at:
http://headaches.about.com/cs/headacheclinics/ 

To submit your question, click HERE.
Please be aware that, due to the volume of questions being submitted, we cannot predict how quickly questions will be answered. Please do not ask emergency questions here.

For the archives of previous weeks' questions,
click HERE.