Occipital nerve cryotherapy
What is the purpose of occipital nerve cryotherapy?
Le nerf d'Arnold, qu'est-ce que c'est ?
Le nerf d'Arnold, également désigné sous le nom de nerf occipital, joue un rôle essentiel dans l'innervation de la région occipitale du crâne. Il est notamment responsable de la sensibilité du cuir chevelu et de la mobilité du cou. Il peut néanmoins être sujet à des irritations ou des compressions, entraînant la névralgie d'Arnold.
Cette affection neurologique se caractérise par des douleurs lancinantes ou pulsantes, localisées principalement à la base du crâne ou aux tempes. Ces symptômes peuvent s'avérer particulièrement inconfortables et impacter la qualité de vie des patients touchés.
A quoi sert la cryothérapie de la névralgie d’Arnold
Occipital nerve cryotherapy is a leading-edge medical procedure offered by the American Hospital of Paris by a team of specifically trained and experienced interventional radiologists. The procedure is performed under image guidance, which enables them to target with extreme precision the occipital nerve causing the pain.
This minimally invasive surgery is performed daily to relieve the chronic debilitating pain associated with neuralgia. It consists in using extreme cold to deactivate the nerve fibers that are causing the pain, bringing rapid and lasting relief to the patient. This technique is seen as a safe and efficient alternative to the traditional treatments used to relieve pain, such as pain relievers, corticosteroid injections or physiotherapy.
What happens during occipital nerve cryotherapy at the American Hospital of Paris?
Occipital nerve cryotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure performed at the American Hospital of Paris by a team of experienced practitioners who trained in top French hospitals. Image guidance is used to monitor the procedure in real time while ensuring a high level of precision.
Procedure
La cryothérapie de la névralgie d'Arnold est pratiquée en ambulatoire, sans nécessité d'hospitalisation.
Occipital nerve cryotherapy is performed on an outpatient basis, with no need for overnight hospitalization.
The procedure begins with the administration of a local anesthesia to the area being treated. The interventional radiologist uses an ultrasound probe to locate the occipital nerve, then inserts a cryosurgical needle within close range of the nerve. The tip of the needle is brought to an extremely low temperature (between -20°C and -100°C, or -4°F and -148°F). This deactivates the nerve without harming the nearby tissues or causing any pain.
After this freezing phase, the probe is warmed up and removed, leaving behind a very small incision (a few millimeters long) that is closed with a bandage.
Procedure duration
The duration of the procedure may differ based on its complexity, but on average is one hour. Throughout the procedure, you will be closely monitored by our medical team to make sure everything is going smoothly.
Post-operative follow-up
After your occipital nerve cryotherapy procedure, you can go home without any further in-hospital monitoring. Because it is a minimally invasive procedure, recovery is very quick and there are no cosmetic side effects.
Follow-up consultations are scheduled to ensure you are healing properly and to detect any complications. It is crucial that you follow the post-operative instructions given to you by your doctor to ensure an optimal recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Our medical team is here to support you at every step of your treatment. Our 24/7 hotline is available to answer any questions you may have and to provide ongoing support.
Cost and coverage
Occipital nerve cryotherapy is covered by Assurance Maladie, the French national health insurance. There could be a surcharge due to physicians’ fees and hospitalization expenses, but these are systematically determined with tact and moderation based on recommendations issued by the French Board of Physicians.
How to prepare for occipital nerve cryotherapy
To ensure the procedure goes smoothly, it is important to be well-prepared by taking the following steps:
- Inform your interventional radiologist of your medical history, allergies and current medications and treatments
- Undergo the recommended preliminary exams to assess your overall state of health and the neuralgia
- Carefully follow the instructions that were provided to you concerning preoperative medication
- Bring all relevant medical documents, such as blood tests and imaging exams, on the day of your consultation
- Ask your interventional radiologist to inform you about the cryotherapy procedure, the expected outcomes and any possible side effects
What are the outcomes of occipital nerve cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy has become a promising treatment option for the relief of chronic pain associated with occipital neuralgia. Although research is still relatively recent, initial results are encouraging and offer patients renewed quality of life and lasting relief from their symptoms.
Results of a retrospective study involving 38 patients showed average pain relief of 57.9% with an average duration of six months (1). In a second study on 26 patients, 64% of participants reported a significant improvement of their pain after seven days, with similar outcomes reported at 30 days (2). Around 50% of participants reported feeling the positive effects of the treatment at 30 days, and 35% continued to report these effects at 56 days. In total, approximately 70% of participants were satisfied with the treatment at 7, 30 and 56 days.
In terms of safety, occipital nerve cryotherapy has an outstanding record. Compared to traditional surgery, it is associated with very few side effects, which are generally minor.
Cryotherapy is therefore a promising treatment option for patients who suffer from occipital neuralgia. It offers effective pain relief and improves quality of life for patients.
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What are the side effects of occipital neuralgia cryotherapy?
Occipital nerve cryotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it carries a very low risk of complication compared to its surgical alternative.
Side effects are generally limited and temporary, and may include:
- Hematomas at the needle insertion site, which disappear quickly
- Tingling and numbing sensations, which typically fade away within the first hours following the procedure
- Skin burns, which are usually very light and heal in the days following the procedure
- Temporary pain in the treated area, which is short-lived and can be relieved with pain medication
- Bleeding at the needle insertion site (rare)
- Infection in the treated area (very rare)
It should be noted that each patient may react differently to cryotherapy, and side effects can vary from one individual to the next. The medical team of the American Hospital of Paris will be available to answer any questions you may have and to provide the follow-up care that is appropriate to your situation.
