Cervicogenic Headache

Levent E. İnan, Harika Mıhoğlu

Cervicogenic headache has always unilateral localization without side shift. Beginning from the neck it may spread to the orbita. Initially episodic character may change to ondulating pattern. There are decrease of range of motions on neck movements , same side localization non-radiculer pain and paresthesia in shoulder and arm and can be provoked by compression on C2, C3 or GON (Great Occipital Nerve) level. For definite diagnosis local anesthetic blockades of great occipital nerve and/or C2 nerve at the involved side is mandatory using 0.5-1cc of 1-2% lidocaine. Cervicogenic headache has been discussed for years. This situation started in 1983 by O. Sjaastad using ' Cervicogenic headache' terminology. During following years papers about clinical cases, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment have reached to great numbers. Diagnostic criteria were published in 1990 by O. Sjaastad et al. At this paper we aimed to give a detailed information about cervicogenic headache.