Cutaneous Atrophy and Alopecia After Greater Occipital Nerve Injection Using Triamcinolone

The document reported on the occurrence of cutaneous atrophy and alopecia in 4 patients who underwent greater occipital nerve (GON) blockade with triamcinolone and lidocaine for headache treatment. While GON infiltration was generally well tolerated and effective, particularly in cluster headache, corticosteroid-related side effects such as Cushing's syndrome and local cutaneous changes were noted. The study suggested that triamcinolone, especially when injected superficially, was linked to cutaneous atrophy, and recommended considering alternative steroids like methylprednisolone and betamethasone for GON blockade to potentially reduce these side effects.