Gigantic occipital epidermal cyst in a 56-year-old female:A case report

BACKGROUND Gigantic epidermal cysts(GECs)are rare benign skin appendicular tumours also known as keratinocysts.GECs have a high incidence and their wall is made up of epidermis.Epidermal cysts can occur in any part of the skin;clinical manifestations include skin colour hemispherical swelling;cystic;mobile;0.5 cm to several centimetres in diameter;and slow growth.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report a case involving a 56-year-old female with a GEC in the occipitalia.On July 25,2023,a patient with a GEC was admitted to the neurosurgery Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University.The phyma was shown to be a solid mass during the operation and was confirmed to be a GEC based on pathological examination.CONCLUSION Epidermal cysts are common cystic nodules on the surface of the body,the aetiology is unclear,the clinical manifestations can vary,and the misdiagnosis rate is high.However,giant epidermal cysts are rare.In most cases,however,the prognosis is satisfactory.This paper analyses and summarizes the population,location,clinical and pathological characteristics and pathogenesis of the disease to strengthen the understanding of this disease and improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis.

Determinants of Occipital Involvement in Males and Females with Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Study

Background: Pattern hair loss (PHL) is the most common form of hair loss affecting both men and women. The occipital region, located at the back of the scalp, has been considered resistant to hair loss in PHL. It is often used as a donor site for hair transplantation procedures. However, evidence suggests that the occipital region may also be affected by PHL, although to a lesser extent compared to the frontal and vertex regions. Objective: To assess the levels and determinants of occipital involvement in PHL, focusing on gender and disease severity. Such data would enhance the comprehensive understanding of PHL progression and inform development of improved treatment strategies. Methods: This retrospective study involved 1993 adults (1000 males, 993 females) following for PHL at a specialized hair clinic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Any patient who had hair transplantation in the past and any male who had balding areas (Hamilton-Norwood scales 4 to 7) at the initial consultation was excluded. The primary outcome was occipital involvement, defined as >10% thin hairs in the trichometry assessments of the occipital region. Additional data included patients age, treatment status, disease severity, and other trichometry parameters. Results: The prevalence of occipital involvement was found to be 23.8% overall, significantly more frequent in females (35.6%) than males with early PHL (Hamilton-Norwood scales 2 and 3) (12.1%) (p Conclusion: This study underscored the relevance of gender and disease severity in occipital involvement in PHL. Females had significantly higher rates of occipital involvement, suggesting that gender differences are critical in understanding PHL progression. Future research should aim to validate these findings, with an aim to refine therapeutic and surgical approaches to improve patient outcomes.

H7N9 avian influenza with first manifestation of occipital neuralgia:A case report

BACKGROUND Most of the first symptoms of avian influenza are respiratory symptoms,and cases with occipital neuralgia as the first manifestation are rarely reported.CASE SUMMARY A middle-aged patient complaining of paroxysmal pain behind the ear was admitted to our hospital.The patient’s condition changed rapidly,and high fever,unexpected respiratory failure,and multiple organ failure developed rapidly.The patient was diagnosed with H7N9 avian influenza based on etiology.CONCLUSION We believe that the etiology of occipital neuralgia is complex and could be the earliest manifestation of severe diseases.The possibility of an infectious disease should be considered when occipital neuralgia is accompanied by fever.Avian influenza is one of these causative agents.

Occipital artery bypass importance in unsuitable superficial temporal artery:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery(STA-MCA)bypass helps treat cerebral ischemia.However,the STA is not available for bypass in some conditions.Therefore,with some technical tips,the authors introduced a bypass technique using the occipital artery(OA).CASE SUMMARY Two female patients complained of hemiparesis.Brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)indicated contralateral infarction from the MCA steno-occlusion.On Diamox single photon emission computed tomography or perfusion MRI,the contralateral front parietotemporal reserve was diminished.On transfemoral cerebral angiography,the STA was thin with a weak flow;however,the OA was prominent.Direct OA-MCA end-to-side extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery was implemented instead of STA because the caliber was too narrow.The postoperative course was uneventful in both cases,with well-maintained bypass patency and neurological stability during follow-up.CONCLUSION OA might be an acceptable alternative for MCA cerebral ischemic cases with an unsuitable STA.

Ultrasound-Guided Greater Occipital Nerve Hydrodissection for Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache: A Case Report

We describe an innovative technique of ultrasound-guided greater occipital nerve (GON) hydrodissection for treatment of cervicogenic headache and occipital neuralgia. A 35-year-old female presented to the pain clinic with severe chronic cervicogenic headache impacting her sleep, work and activities of daily living. Conservative management had failed to adequately resolve her pain. Ultrasound-guided suboccipital hydrodissection of the greater occipital nerve was performed with the patient in the prone position. After skin sterilization, the linear ultrasound transducer was oriented in a transverse orientation at the level of the C2-C3 vertebrae. The needle was advanced from medial to lateral “in-plane” under direct ultrasound visualization, until the needle was positioned at the C2 lamina. After confirming the needle tip position, 10 ml of hydrodissection fluid was injected with good visualization of distribution of the solution. The patient described immediate and significant improvement in her symptoms. She reported a sustained decrease in pain scores when followed up in the pain clinic at six and twelve weeks respectively. To the best of our knowledge this is the first application of ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of the GON for cervicogenic headache. It offers a novel, safe and effective technique to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a common pain condition.

Modified surgical method of supra-and infratentorial epidural hematoma and the related anatomical study of the squamous part of the occipital bone

BACKGROUND Supra-and infratentorial acute epidural hematoma(SIEDH)is a common posterior cranial fossa epidural hematoma located at the inner surface of the squamous part of the occipital bone(SOB).Traditionally,surgical treatment of the SIEDH requires a combined supra-infratentorial craniotomy.AIM To analyze the morphological characteristics of the SOB and introduce a single supratentorial craniotomy for SIEDH.METHODS Skull computed tomography(CT)scan data from 32 adult patients were collected from January 1,2019 to January 31,2020.On the median sagittal plane of the CT scan,the angle of the SOB(ASOB)was defined by two lines:Line A was defined from the lambdoid suture(LambS)to the external occipital protuberance(EOP),while line B was defined from the EOP to the posterior edge of the foramen magnum(poFM).The operative angle for the SIEDH(OAS)from the supra-to infratentorial epidural space was determined by two lines:The first line passes from the midpoint between the EOP and the LambS to the poFM,while the second line passes from the EOP to the poFM.The ASOB and OAS were measured and analyzed.RESULTS Based on the anatomical study,a single supratentorial craniotomy was performed in 8 patients with SIEDH.The procedure and the results of the modified surgical method were demonstrated in detail.For males,the ASOB was 118.4±4.7 and the OAS was 15.1±1.8;for females,the ASOB was 130.4±5.1 and the OAS was 12.8±2.0.There were significant differences between males and females both in ASOB and OAS.The smaller the ASOB was,the larger the OAS was.The bone flaps in 8 patients were designed above the transverse sinus intraoperatively,and the SIEDH was completely removed without suboccipital craniotomy.The SOB does not present as a single straight plane but bends at an angle around the EOP and the superior nuchal lines.The OAS was negatively correlated with the ASOB.CONCLUSION The single supratentorial craniotomy for SIEDH is reliable and effective.

Resection of bilateral occipital lobe lesions during a single operation as a treatment for bilateral occipital lobe epilepsy

BACKGROUND Neurosurgical treatment of severe bilateral occipital lobe epilepsy usually involves two operations several mos apart.AIM To evaluate surgical resection of bilateral occipital lobe lesions during a single operation as a treatment for bilateral occipital lobe epilepsy.METHODS This retrospective case series included patients with drug-refractory bilateral occipital lobe epilepsy treated surgically between March 2006 and November 2015.RESULTS Preoperative evaluation included scalp video-electroencephalography(EEG),magnetic resonance imaging,and PET-CT.During surgery(bilateral occipital craniotomy),epileptic foci and important functional areas were identified by EEG(intracranial cortical electrodes)and cortical functional mapping,respectively.Patients were followed up for at least 5 years to evaluate treatment outcome(Engel grade)and visual function.The 20 patients(12 males)were aged 4-30 years(median age,12 years).Time since onset was 3-20 years(median,8 years),and episode frequency was 4-270/mo(median,15/mo).Common manifestations were elementary visual hallucinations(65.0%),flashing lights(30.0%),blurred vision(20.0%)and visual field defects(20.0%).Most patients were free of disabling seizures(Engel grade I)postoperatively(18/20,90.0%)and at 1 year(18/20,90.0%),3 years(17/20,85.0%)and≥5 years(17/20,85.0%).No patients were classified Engel grade IV(no worthwhile improvement).After surgery,there was no change in visual function in 13/20(65.0%),development of a new visual field defect in 3/20(15.0%),and worsening of a preexisting defect in 4/20(20.0%).CONCLUSION Resection of bilateral occipital lobe lesions during a single operation may be applicable in bilateral occipital lobe epilepsy.

Repeat RF Ablation of C2 and Third Occipital Nerves for Recurrent Occipital Neuralgia and Cervicogenic Headaches

Objective: To address the degree and duration of pain relief from recurrent cervicogenic headaches and/or occipital neuralgia following retreatment with radiofrequency ablation of the C2 dorsal root ganglion and/or third occipital nerves;to review outcomes including duration and degree of pain relief;to evaluate procedure’s complication rate and patient’s willingness to repeat the procedure;to compare effectiveness of the most recent RF ablation to patient’s first RF ablation. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective observational study of 23 patients with recurrent cervicogenic headaches and/or occipital neuralgia treated with repeated RF ablation of the C2 dorsal root ganglion and/or third occipital nerves. All patients receiving treatment from January 2010 to July 2014 are included in this single site retrospective study. This is an IRB approved medical chart review study. Results: 22 of 23 patients underwent follow-up. An average of 86.5% of participants reported pain relief on average of 25.4 weeks at time of follow-up. 41% reported side effects including suboccipital hyperesthesia and/or ear discomfort, 95% reported willingness to repeat the procedure again if severe symptoms recurred, 59% of patients reported the most recent RF ablation had the same results as the first, 32% reported the most recent RF was the most effective, and 9% reported that the first RF was the most effective. Conclusion: Repeated RF ablation is a feasible option for recurrent cervicogenic headaches and/or occipital neuralgia. Effectiveness of repeat intervention is the same or better than the first ablation. Though there was a higher likelihood of side effects including suboccipital neuralgia and/or ear discomfort on repeat treatment, the side effects were generally well tolerated.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION OF THERAPEUTIC EFFECT ON OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA TREATED WITH DAO FA IN ACUPUNCTURE MANIPULATION

Objective To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of Dao Fa in acupuncture treatment of occipital neuralgia and make the comparison with routine acupuncture. Methods Duo Fa was applied to Tiānzhù （天柱 BL10）, Fēngchí （风池 GB20） to treat occipital neuralgia and compare its results with routine acupuncture. Results The total effective rate was 95.6 % in Duo Fa group, 77.8% in routine group, indicating significant difference （P〈0.05）. Conclusion Comparing with routine acupuncture, Duo Fa is advantageous at selection of fewer acupoints, better therapeutic effect and quicker achievement of efficacy in treatment of occipital neuralgia.

Klippel-feil:A syndrome in the occipital-cervical spine field and its dentofacial manifestations

Klippel-Feil syndrome(KFS) is defined by congenital cervical vertebral spine fusion and is seen with a wide spectrum of dental manifestations and craniofacial profiles. Previous studies on lateral cephalograms have documented an association between fusion of the cervicalvertebrae and deviations in the craniofacial profile in non-syndromic patients with severe malocclusion. To our knowledge, no previous studies have described the craniofacial profile including the cranial base of KFS patients on lateral cephalograms. Therefore KFS and its craniofacial and dental manifestations were described according to existing literature and additionally the craniofacial profile and cranial base was analysed on lateral cephalograms of two patients with KFS. According to the literature the dental manifestations of KFS-patients included oligodontia, overjet, cross bite, open bite and deep bite. The craniofacial profile was clinically described as reduced lower facial height, midfacial hypoplasia, and mandibular prognathia. The analyses of the two lateral cephalograms showed increased mandibular inclination, increased vertical jaw-relationship, increased jaw angle and maxillary retrognathia. The cranial base was normal in both cases. The sagittal jaw relationship and mandibular prognathia varied between the two cases. The literature review and the analyses of the two lateral cephalograms have shown that deviations in the occipital and cervical spine field as KFS were associated with deviations in the teeth and craniofacial profile.

Greater occipital nerve blocks in the treatment of refractory chronic migraine: An observational report of nine cases

AIM To report the effects of greater occipital nerve(GON) blocks on refractory chronic migraine headache.METHODS Nine patients who were receiving the conventionally accepted preventive therapies underwent treatment with repeated GON block to control chronic migraine resistant to other treatments. GON blocking with lidocaine and normal saline mixture was administered by the same physician at hospital once a month(for three times in total). Patients were assessed before the injection and every month thereafter for pain frequency and severity, number of times analgesics were used and any appearant side effects during a 6 mo follow-up.RESULTS Eight of nine patients reported a marked decrease in frequency and severity of migraine attacks in comparison to their baseline symptoms; one reported no significant change(not more than 50%) from baseline and did not accept the second injection. GON block resulted in considerable reduction in pain frequency and severity and need to use analgesics up to three months after the injection in the present cases. The patients did not report any adverse effects. CONCLUSION Hereby we noticed a remarkable success with refractory chronic migraine patients. We believe that this intervention can result in rapid relief of pain with the effects lasting for perhaps several weeks or even months. Further controlled clinical trials are warranted to evaluate the effect of GON block in the treatment of refractory migraine cases.

Occipital lymph node metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma:a special case report and literature review

Cervical lymph node metastasis is common in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC),but occipital lymph node metastasis in NPC patients has not yet been reported.In this case report,we describe an NPC patient with occipital lymph node metastasis.The clinical presentation,diagnostic procedure,treatment,and outcome of this case were presented,with a review of the related literature.

Malignant Hemangioendothelioma of Occipital Bone

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular tumor of bone, and rarely these lesions can present as unique and extremely aggressive tumor. We report a case of highly aggressive epithelioid hemangioendothelioma and discuss the imaging findings. CT brain plain study revealed a poorly-defined, mixed density expansile and lytic lesion involving the occipital bone with extension to the left side with poorly defined trabecula formation. There was significant but irregular enhancement after intravenous administration of contrast material and also marked bone destruction. Microscopic examination of the fine needle aspiration cytology showed a tumor composed of vascular channels lined by plump endothelial cells, which had enlarged hyperchromatic nuclei. In view of the extensive infiltration the patient was submitted for the radiotherapy.

Multiple occipital defects caused by arachnoid granulations: Emphasis on T2 mapping

A 56-year-old man presented with a 6-mo history of headache. Although neurological and laboratory examinations were normal, computed tomography (CT) scan was performed which revealed multiple occipital osteolytic lesions, which were suspected to be multiple myeloma. Subsequently nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that these lesions presented with a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-like signal intensity, no diffusional restriction and intrinsic mass-like enhancement on conventional sequences were seen. T2 relaxation time was similar to that of CSF in the ventricles and adjacent subarachnoid space on T2-mapping. Single photon emission CT with 99mTc-Methyl diphosphonate was performed which revealed no increased radiotracing accumulation. Finally, these lesions were diagnosed as mutiple arachnoid granulations (AGs). The headache was treated symptomatically with medical therapy. On follow up examination after 6 mo no evidence of tumor was detected. This report aimed to illustrate the appearance and differentiation of occipital defects caused by multiple AGs on CT and MRI, with emphasis on the findings from T2 mapping.

The Lateral Occipital Complex is Activated by Melody with Accompaniment: Foreground and Background Segregation in Auditory Processing

Objective: Most of the western music consists of a melody and an accompaniment. The melody is referred to as the foreground, with the accompaniment the background. In visual processing, the lateral occipital complex (LOC) is known to participate in foreground and background segregation. We investigated the role of LOC in music processing with use of positron emission tomography (PET). Method: Musically na?ve subjects listened to unfamiliar novel melodies with (accompaniment condition) and without the accompaniment (melodic condition). Using a PET subtraction technique, we studied changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during the accompaniment condition compared to the melodic condition. Results: The accompanyment condition was associated with bilateral increase of rCBF at the lateral and medial surfaces of both occipital lobes, medial parts of fusiform gyri, cingulate gyri, precentral gyri, insular cortices, and cerebellum. During the melodic condition, the activation at the anterior and posterior portions of the temporal lobes, medial surface of the frontal lobes, inferior frontal gyri, orbitofrontal cortices, inferior parietal lobules, and cerebellum was observed. Conclusions: The LOC participates in recognition of melody with accompaniment, a phenomenon that can be regarded as foreground and background segregation in auditory processing. The fusiform cortex which was known to participate in the color recognition might be activated by the recognition of flourish sounds by the accompaniment, compared to melodic condition. It is supposed that the LOC and fusiform cortex play similar functions beyond the difference of sensory modalities.

Pain-Relief Effects of Aroma Touch Therapy with <i>Citrus junos</i>Oil Evaluated by Quantitative EEG Occipital Alpha-2 Rhythm Powers

Aroma touch therapy is widely used in clinical fields for alleviating pain-related symptoms;however, few studies have reported the pain-relief mechanisms. The present study aimed to elucidate the analgesic effects of aroma touch therapy with Citrus junos oil based on the quantitative evaluation of deep brain network (DBN) activity using electroencephalogram (EEG) occipital alpha-2 rhythm (10-13 Hz) powers. Experimental investigations were performed with 13 healthy volunteers using the cold pressor task for simulating chronic pain in three different sessions: a baseline session with no therapies, a control session with a touch therapy, and an aroma touch therapy. We have found for the first time that the interviewed pain ratings represented by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores were strongly correlated with a DBN activity index, which was derived from the slow fluctuation components of occipital EEG alpha-2 rhythm powers. The correlation was characterized by a V-shaped curve in the DBN activity index versus the pain rating, i.e., the NRS score, which provided the complete analgesic states (NRS = 0) for some subjects under aroma touch therapy at an appropriate DBN activity index. Such analgesic states were not so strongly correlated with emotional valence. In conclusion, aroma touch therapy may directly modulate DBN activity so that pain-induced outcomes are minimized.

Occipital Nerve Block for Surgery on the Posterior Scalp

Patients that present with scalp lesions within the distribution of cranial and spinal nerves may benefit considerably from regional nerve blocks, in this case, an occipital nerve in combination with spinal anesthesia for lower extremity anesthesia. Such blocks can be used additionally as a source of postoperative pain relief.

Experience in Acupuncture Treatment of Occipital Neuralgia

Clinically, occipital neuralgia is commonly encountered. It is manifested by pain in the unilateral suboccipital and postmastoid region, which may radiate to the upper occipital part, the ear and copular part, and even to the orbit. The pain is severe, and often cause spasm of the cervical muscles. The authors applied acupuncture for treating occipital neuralgia with good therapeutic results reported as follows.

OnabotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of Occipital Neuralgia Following Gunshot Injury

Occipital neuralgia, while typically idiopathic in presentation, is a common form of posttraumatic headache. It is associated with severe pain in the greater, lesser, and/or third occipital nerves, and often accompanied by tenderness or trigger points in the surrounding musculature. OnabotulinumtoxinA (ONA) has been recently utilized in nerve blocks to treat occipital neuralgia, but current literature supporting such use is scarce. We describe a case of occipital neuralgia in a patient following C1 fracture and vertebral artery dissection due to gunshot injury. Successful treatment with bilateral ONA nerve blocks led to an 80% - 90% improvement in pain, with decreased Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores immediately following treatment and upon follow-up 1 month later.

OBSERVATION OF THERAPEUTIC EFFECT ON TREATMENT OF THE GREATER OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA WITH ACUPUNCTURE

To compare the differences in therapeutic effects on treatments of the greater occipital neuralgia between acupuncture and western medicine. Method. Sixty cases of the greater occipital neuralgia were randomized into acupuncture group （30 cases） and western medicine group （30 cases）. In acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied on Fengchi （ 风池 GB 20）, Chengling （承灵 GB 18）, Xuanzhong （悬钟 GB 39） and Ashi （阿是穴）, once everyday. In western medicine group, carbamazepine was administrated orally, 100 mg, Bid × 10 days. Results： In acupuncture group, 25 cases （83.3%） were cured, 4 cases （13.3%） remarkably effective, 1 case （3.4%） effective and 0 case ineffective. In western medicine group, 16 cases （53.3%） were cured, 7 cases （23.3%） remarkably effective, 2 cases （6.7%） effective and 5 cases （ 16.7 % ） ineffective. The cured-markedly effective rates of two groups were 96.6 % and 76.6 % respectively, indicating significant difference between two groups （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： The therapeutic effect with acupuncture on the greater occipital neuralgia was significant compared with that with carbamazepine.