Treatment of Occipital Neuralgia in Israel: The Most Advanced Techniques

Dr. Arnon Karni

Head of the Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Department

At the Top Ichilov clinic, optimal conditions are created for the treatment of various neurological pathologies, including occipital neuralgia. During high-precision diagnostics, doctors accurately determine the cause of this pathology and see the full picture of the disease. Both conservative and surgical methods are used in treatment. A significant role is assigned to physiotherapy procedures, which can eliminate the most characteristic manifestations of the ailment. Alongside the treatment of neuralgia, the underlying disease is also addressed.

99%

accurate diagnosis

96%

relieved from acute pain

1853

successful surgeries performed

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Table of Contents

Treatment Methods

Diagnostics

Prices

If necessary, minimally invasive surgical interventions are performed. After treatment, symptoms disappear, and the person can return to their usual life. The main success of treatment at Top Ichilov is a competent and comprehensive approach. A therapeutic plan is assigned to the patient individually, taking into account the specifics of the clinical picture. Experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons, many of whom are recognized as leading doctors in Israel, are involved in the treatment; some are world-renowned experts. A patient from abroad can choose which doctor they wish to receive treatment from. To eliminate the language barrier, a Russian-speaking coordinator accompanies the patient.

Current Techniques

The goals of therapy include eliminating severe manifestations of the disease and the causes that trigger them. The most common causes of occipital neuralgia are injuries, osteochondrosis, neoplasms, and hypothermia. Inflammatory processes or neoplasms compress the nerve roots, causing pain syndrome. Treatment of occipital neuralgia in clinics in Israel, including Top Ichilov, follows international protocols. Almost everyone who undergoes therapy at the clinic stops suffering from pain and regains the ability to live and work normally.

1. Medication Therapy. To relieve the most common symptoms (pain, cramps, inflammation), the Top Ichilov clinic uses new generation medications – non-steroidal drugs, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant medications. If the disease stage is quite serious and inflammation does not subside, the possibility of hormonal medications may be considered. These are taken only under medical supervision so that if any undesirable side effects occur, the treatment plan can be adjusted in time.
2. Physiotherapy. This is quite effective for neuralgia: it helps relieve muscle spasms, reduce tissue inflammation, and alleviate pain syndrome. The Top Ichilov clinic employs a wide range of various physiotherapeutic techniques. For example, ultrasound and laser therapy procedures are prescribed to warm tissues and improve blood circulation. Manual therapy and massage courses are conducted to relieve muscle spasms: these types of therapy also help restore the anatomically correct position of bones and joints, which contributes to reducing inflammation. Physical therapy sessions are mandatory for all patients: properly selected exercises and balanced physical load increase muscle tone, strengthen the muscle corset, and relieve muscle tension and tightness. At the Top Ichilov clinic, acupuncture sessions can be performed: by affecting specific points with thin needles, doctors achieve improved metabolic processes in tissues and reduced inflammation.
3. Surgery. Generally, most patients resolve their issues after undergoing medication courses and physiotherapy; however, in severe cases, doctors may resort to surgical treatment. This is usually required for patients whose neuralgia is caused by brain tumor diseases or those whose pathology cannot be resolved medically. Compression of the occipital nerve is primarily addressed minimally invasively. Currently, there are techniques that are so gentle that the patient can be discharged from the clinic just a few days after surgery. Microsurgical intervention is performed through small openings, endoscopically. Surgical instruments and an endoscope, which transmits images of the surgical area to the neurosurgeon's monitor, are introduced through these openings. If decompression is only possible with the removal of a tumor located near vital centers of the brain, a robot-assisted surgery may be performed using the Da Vinci surgical robot. The innovative Da Vinci system can perform the removal in a manner that spares healthy tissues.
4. Nerve Stimulation. This is used for neuralgia of unclear origin when other types of therapy are ineffective. This progressive technique effectively eliminates the pathology, allowing the person to permanently rid themselves of unpleasant symptoms. Its essence lies in implanting a stimulator in the body that sends electrical impulses to block signals transmitted by the damaged occipital nerve. The implantation of the stimulator is performed minimally invasively, and during its use, the patient can regulate the intensity of the impulses themselves – a remote control is provided for this purpose.

Diagnostics

The Top Ichilov clinic features a modern high-tech diagnostic center where all necessary examinations can be conducted. Thanks to new high-informative equipment, diagnostic data is maximally detailed, and the high qualifications of the doctors allow them to determine the pathology, its specifics, and features with 100% accuracy. The pathology itself is diagnosed quite easily; the major challenge lies in identifying the causes of its occurrence. However, despite the complexity of the task, doctors have all the necessary information by the third day of the patient's arrival at the clinic. An important aspect for the patient is that they do not have to stand in long queues for diagnostic procedures: the examination schedule is prepared in advance.

The Top Ichilov clinic also offers a remote second opinion service – a consultation via Skype. This is usually needed by those who cannot come to Israel but require a competent medical opinion and recommendations from leading Israeli doctors. These recommendations can serve as a basis for adjusting therapy in their home country. The service can be ordered through the clinic's website.

Diagnostics for Disease Detection

Cost of Treatment for Occipital Neuralgia in Israel

Advantages of Turning to Top Ichilov

• World-class and highly competent doctors
• The opportunity to receive treatment according to global standards
• New unique techniques that are gentle and safe
• No need to pay for the entire course of therapy in advance
• Moderate prices

For more detailed information, please contact the clinic with a request through this website.