GON Block
Greater Occipital Nerve Block
Service Description
Receive a GON block (greater occipital nerve block) for targeted, short-term relief and prevention of pain associated with migraine, headache disorders and cephalgia. A GON block is a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting local anaesthetic, sometimes with a corticosteroid, around the greater occipital nerve at the back of the head. GON blocks may be considered for people experiencing migraine headaches, frequent headaches, occipital neuralgia and certain other headache disorders, particularly when symptoms are persistent or difficult to manage with conventional treatments. The treatment aims to reduce pain signalling from the occipital nerves and may provide relief from headache symptoms for a period following the procedure. If you are looking for a migraine specialist, headache specialist or migraine neurologist, a specialist assessment can help determine whether a GON block is an appropriate treatment option for your symptoms. Your headache history, diagnosis, previous treatments and individual circumstances will be considered before treatment is recommended. For patients searching for a migraine specialist, headache specialist, or private migraine clinic, GON blocks can form part of a personalised approach to managing complex or recurring headache disorders. Treatment may be particularly relevant for patients whose migraines or headaches continue to affect their quality of life despite other approaches. GON Block for Migraine and Headache Disorders A greater occipital nerve block may be used as part of the management of: Migraine and migraine headaches Chronic or frequent headaches Headache disorders and cephalgia Occipital neuralgia Certain cervicogenic headache presentations Other conditions involving pain originating from or involving the occipital nerves The suitability of a GON block varies from person to person. During a consultation, your symptoms and headache pattern can be assessed to establish whether this treatment is appropriate and whether other migraine or headache treatments may also be beneficial.