Cervicogenic headache

Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .

Cervicogenic headache. This is a chronic unilateral headache. It is usually side locked. It is usually non-throbbing. Fully referenced neurology checklist.

Clinical features

  • This is a chronic unilateral headache
  • It is usually side locked
  • It is usually non-throbbing
  • It is exacerbated by neck movement or sustained awkward neck positions
  • It is triggered by pressure over the upper cervical/occipital region
  • It limits the range of neck motions
  • There may be associate ipsilateral shoulder and arm pain and numbness

Occipito-nuchal trigger points

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Treatment

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References

  1. Knackstedt H, Bansevicius D, Aaseth K, et al. Cervicogenic headache in the general population: the Akershus study of chronic headache. Cephalalgia 2010; 30:1468-1476.
  2. Vincent MB. Cervicogenic headache: a review comparison with migraine, tension-type headache, and whiplash. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2010; 14:238-243.
  3. Antonaci F, Fredriksen TA, Sjaastad O. Cervicogenic headache: clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and differential diagnosis. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2001; 5:387-392.

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