Occipital nerve stimulation is a type of neuromodulation which uses electrical stimulation to alter the activity of certain nerves. Occipital nerve stimulation specifically targets nerves in the head and neck to relieve headaches and facial pain.
Need answers quickly?
Our Rapid Diagnostics Centre offers fast access to advanced imaging, specialist clinics and on-site testing - helping you get clarity in days, not weeks. Plus, our 24/7 private GP service is here whenever you need urgent advice.
Our charitable purpose
As a charitable hospital, we reinvest in exceptional care, research and innovation - helping us improve healthcare for patients here and far beyond our walls.
Everything you need for your visit
Your Patient Hub brings together everything you need to prepare for your visit, understand your care and know what to expect throughout your stay.
Occipital nerve stimulation
Also known as: Pain management, Spinal and brain services
Easy access
Call us today to book an appointment
Fast referral
Get seen and treated within 14 days
What is it for?
To treat chronic headaches
Occipital nerve stimulation consultation at The London Clinic
Occipital nerve stimulation can be used to treat chronic headaches (headaches that occur for more than 15 days a month, for longer than three months) that have not responded to previous treatments.
It can also be used for neuralgia or neuropathic pain, which is caused by damage or injury to the nerves. This type of pain may not respond to normal painkillers like paracetamol, or anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen.
Occipital nerve stimulation has also been shown to be effective in treating chronic migraines and cluster headaches (sudden, excruciating headaches that usually affect one side of the head and eyes, and occur in short bursts of time).
How is it performed and what is involved?
Occipital nerve stimulation involves implanting a small electrical device, similar to a pacemaker, under the skin on the chest. This is connected to tiny electrical wires (electrodes), which are placed under the skin around the back of the head.
Electrical impulses are sent through the electrodes to specific nerves. These impulses are not usually noticeable but can occasionally cause a tingling sensation.
There are many theories as to exactly how occipital nerve stimulation improves pain, but it is thought to work by stopping overactive nerves carrying pain signals to the brain.
A trial period is carried out before permanently implanting the device. This involves connecting the electrodes to an external electrical device. The patient keeps a pain diary for approximately a week.
The permanent device is only implanted if a significant improvement in pain is reported. Positioning of the temporary trial device involves minor day case surgery, while implanting a permanent device will usually require a one to two night hospital stay. Patients are taught how to operate the device themselves. This includes how to adjust the amount of stimulation, charge the device and prevent it getting damaged. Our specialist teams will follow up with each patient and stay in close contact with them following the procedure.
What are the risks?
Implanting the occipital nerve stimulation system is relatively safe with a low rate of complications. As with every surgery, there are some potential risks to consider. These include:
- Infection in the area where the system is implanted
- Movement or dislodging of the electrodes
- Excessive bleeding from wounds
- Failure of the stimulator device
- Failure to improve pain, or in some very rare cases, an increase in pain
- Allergic reaction to any drugs given during the procedure.
Our expert surgeons here at The London Clinic and their experienced teams make every effort to minimise these risks. They will be able to fully discuss the general risks of occipital nerve stimulation and any specific risks to individual patients beforehand.
How effective is it?
Occipital nerve stimulation does not cure the source of the pain but it can help block the pain signals from reaching the brain.
Treatment response varies between individuals but several studies have shown that patients using occipital nerve stimulation treatment have a reduction in the number of days with headache, intensity of pain and pain-associated disability.
The use of occipital nerve stimulation in the treatment of migraines has shown a 50% reduction in the intensity of the pain.
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
The UK’s largest independent hospital
More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.
Top-rated by real patients
4.86/5 from over 1,600 reviews on Doctify and over 4.5 on Google.
Full intensive care on-site
World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.
Investing in clinical excellence
Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.