Occipital nerve block guided by ultrasound in patients with migraine.

Abstract

Introduction: Migraine, a significantly debilitating neurological disorder, often resists conventional pharmacological treatments, prompting the exploration of alternative methods such as the ultrasound-guided occipital nerve block (GONB). This procedure, utilizing ultrasound to enhance precision, reduces complications and offers a promising intervention for chronic migraine. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of GONB compared to non-guided techniques, considering its clinical impact and safety profile. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA model, analyzing studies from PubMed published between 2020 and 2024. Results: The findings indicate that GONB provides greater short-term pain relief and a significant reduction in the number of monthly headache days, outperforming non-guided techniques. The study not only identifies benefits in the immediate effectiveness of the procedure but also in its safety profile, highlighting the low incidence of significant adverse effects. However, some studies pointed out the lack of long-term differences, suggesting the need for further research. Conclusion: GONB is an effective and safe alternative for chronic migraine, notable for its precision and pain reduction, although variability in relief duration and technical considerations require further study. Its favorable safety profile and contribution to opioid management position it as a promising tool for refractory migraines and other headaches.