Greater Occipital Nerve (GON) Block is an effective treatment for up to 25% of patients with headache who have tenderness over the back of their head during attacks.

The evidence for its effectiveness is best in Occipital Neuralgia, Cluster Headache and Migraine.

During the procedure, you will receive an injection to both (bilateral) Greater Occipital Nerves (unless the headache is purely one-sided) and also to the Lesser Occipital Nerves on each side.

The injections are only mildly uncomfortable for the vast majority of patients and any discomfort, is often relieved shortly thereafter by the Local Anaesthetic in the preparation.

The effect in headache is driven by the local corticosteroid which starts working 1-5 days after injection and persists for 3-4 months after (sometimes much longer).

COST:

If eligible for Bilateral GON Block the total cost is $195.00, you will receive a Medicare rebate of $66.00.  This is charged in addition to your consultation fee.

Below is an overview of the different consultation fees:

Standard Initial consult (item code: 110)           Cost: $375.00      Medicare Rebate: $134.30

Complex Initial consult (item code: 132)            Cost: $475.00       Medicare Rebate: $234.85

Standard Follow-up consult (item code: 116)    Cost: $165.00       Medicare Rebate: $67.20

Complex Follow-up consult (item code: 133)     Cost: $215.00       Medicare Rebate: $117.60

Note: The out-of-pocket costs are the same, irrespective of whether your consultation is determined to be Complex or Standard.