Practical approach to cervicogenic headache

Abstract

Cervicogenic headache was initially defined as unilateral headache that is provoked by neck movement or pressure over tender points in the neck with associated reduced range of movement of the cervical spine. The headache occurs in non-clustering episodes and is usually non-throbbing in nature, originating from the neck and spreading over the occipital, temporal, and frontal regions. These clinical criteria are not enough to make a definite diagnosis of cervicogenic headache, as it is sometimes difficult to differentiate clinically between cervicogenic headache, migraine, and tension-type headache. Response to diagnostic block of the nerve supply of these cervical structures or intra-articular injection of local anesthetic into the affected joint is now considered a major criterion in the diagnosis of cervicogenic headache.