Major occipital nerve
The greater occipital nerve ( Latin : "large occipital nerve") is a peripheral nerve of the neck. It arises from the dorsal (dorsal / posterior) branch of the second spinal nerve . In humans, its sensitive branch pierces the trapezius muscle and pulls towards the occipital region.
The nerve supply in the region of the neck motor the musculus semispinalis , the longissimus and the musculus splenius . The nerve sensitively innervates the skin of the back of the head.
Repeated local anesthesia of the major occipital nerve is a treatment for occipital neuralgia and cluster headache . Electrical stimulation of the nerve ( occipital nerve stimulation ) is a method used to treat chronic migraines .