OCCIPITAL NERVE RELEASE IN PATIENTS WITH WHIPLASH TRAUMA AND OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA

The results of 18 greater occipital nerve release operations in 13 pat ients were analyzed. All patients had deep aching pain in the occipita l area due to a whiplash trauma, and in all cases the pain was relieve d temporarily by local anesthesia of the occipital nerve. The time fro m accident to operation was 6 to 96 months. The results of 13 (72.2%) operations were reported as good or excellent, although complete pain relief was not attained in any patient. It is concluded that neurolysi s of the greater occipital nerve after whiplash injury can give meanin gful pain relief in selected patients.