Implantable peripheral subcutaneous occipital neurostimulation for the treatment of refractory Arnold's neuralgia: Cases report

Abstract

IntroductionPeripheral nerve stimulation has yielded promising long-term results for managing occipital neuralgia refractory to pharmacological and primary interventional management. ObjectiveTo report the efficacy obtained in two cases of intractable occipital neuralgia that underwent implantable peripheral subcutaneous neurostimulation. Material and methodsThis is a descriptive and retrospective case report of severe Arnold's neuralgia refractory to pharmacological and interventional management, undergoing implantable peripheral subcutaneous neurostimulation performed during the last 10 years from 2006 to 2016 at the Pain Clinic Service of the National Medical Center Hospital “20 de Noviembre”. ResultsTwo cases of severe occipital neuralgia of traumatic etiology, refractory to pharmacological management, with over 9 years of evolution, were selected. Following management with implantable peripheral subcutaneous neurostimulation, the patients experienced 80–100% pain relief. ConclusionsPeripheral subcutaneous neurostimulation seems promising as a short- and long-term therapy for the management of severe intractable occipital neuralgia.