Comparison of single and repeated blockade of the greater occipital nerve in migraine treatment

Objective: Migraine is a neurovascular syndrome that can be triggered by several conditions such as increased stress levels, sleep disorders, some foods, hormonal abnormalities, and weather changes. In this study, the efficacy of single and repetitive greater occipital nerve blockade on patients with migraine were investigated. Methods: Forty migraineurs were divided into 2 groups randomly. Group 1 (n=20) received 1 session of blockade and group 2 (n=20) received 3 sessions of blockade per week with 2.5 cc 1% lidocaine. The number of attacks monthly, duration of attacks (in hours), and pain severity using a visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded, then compared with the pretreatment values and at the 6th and 12th weeks after treatment. Results: Group 1 showed a statistically significant decrease for all parameters compared with the 6th week values (p<0.05). Group 2 also showed a statistically significant decrease both at the 6th and 12th weeks for all parameters (p<0.05). The decrease in the frequency of pain at the 6th week between group 1 and 2 was statistically significant. The decrease in pain intensity (VAS) at the 12th week in group 2 was more significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Greater occipital nerve blockade seems to be effective in the treatment of migraine and repeated blockade can be more effective in migraine treatment.