Occipital Neuralgia

Surgery for laryngeal neuralgia (nerve decompression, ganglion block, or radiofrequency thermocoagulation) is applied to refractory cases that have not responded to conservative treatment for more than 6 months. The success rate of surgery is 60–80%, but there is a possibility of recurrence and a risk of complications, such as sensory abnormalities at the surgical site. Therefore, the standard approach is to decide on surgery only after thoroughly attempting ① drug therapy (anticonvulsants and antidepressants), ② nerve blocks, and ③ conservative Korean medicine treatments such as moxibustion, acupuncture, and pharmacopuncture. There are cases where surgery was avoided through intensive Korean medicine treatment, even in cases of laryngeal neuralgia severe enough to warrant a recommendation. Precisely separating adhesions around the nerve with moxibustion can produce effects similar to surgical decompression, and simultaneously promoting the recovery of qi and blood throughout the body enhances the nerve's own regenerative capacity. At Dongjedang, we recommend attempting three months of intensive Korean medicine treatment prior to surgery and guide patients to make the best decision based on their progress. Since surgery is a card you can always choose later, we recommend that you fully try non-surgical options first.