Occupant Injury Treatment in Oklahoma City

The occipital region — the base of the skull where it meets the upper cervical spine — is particularly vulnerable in rear-end and side-impact collisions. The C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae, along with the ligaments and muscles supporting the skull, can be significantly stressed by the whipping motion of the head in a crash.

Common Symptoms

Upper cervical and occipital injuries produce a distinctive pattern of symptoms including persistent headaches that start at the base of the skull and radiate forward, neck stiffness and reduced rotation, pain behind the eyes, scalp tenderness or sensitivity, dizziness, and in some cases visual disturbances. These symptoms are often dismissed as ordinary headaches, delaying appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Occipital Neuralgia

One of the most common upper cervical injuries after a car accident is occipital neuralgia — inflammation or injury of the occipital nerves that travel from the upper cervical spine through the scalp. This condition causes sharp, shooting pain in the back of the head and neck that can be debilitating. It often responds well to targeted injection therapy and physical therapy when diagnosed accurately.

Evaluation and Treatment

Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough physical examination with specific palpation of the craniocervical junction, combined with appropriate imaging. Our physicians are experienced in identifying upper cervical injuries and will develop a targeted treatment plan. Call (405) 842-3209.