Correlation of Lateral Atlanto-Axial Joint with Cervicogenic Headache – A case report

Introduction: Cervicogenic headache is a syndrome characterized by chronic hemicranial pain that is referred to the head from either bony structures or soft tissues of the neck. Since 1980, it was believed that there was an involvement of the cervical facet joints in the neck pain and Cervicogenic headache due to trauma (whiplash injury) or arthritic changes. Lateral atlanto-axial joints pathology can also be the cause for cervicogenic headache. Case report: A 30 year old car mechanic, having chronic headache affecting the left upper part of the neck, had an h/o car accident after which the pain started. When conservative treatments as well as cervical facet joint injection failed to give satisfactory pain relief, a diagnostic lateral atlanto-axial joint block on the affected side was a great help to the patient. Conclusion: Headache is a complex phenomenon. Proper history, examination and investigation is required to come to the diagnosis. In refractory cases cervical spine should be assessed properly. Diagnostic blocks are very useful to rule out the causes. Thorough anatomical knowledge is very important for every clinician.