Occipital cryoneurolysis is a procedure used to treat nerve pain generated by peripheral nerves (nerves located outside of the spinal column and skull) commonly due to the condition occipital neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia, also known as C2 neuralgia, Arnold's neuralgia, is a medical condition characterized by chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head and behind the eyes. These areas correspond to the locations of the lesser and greater occipital nerves.-Causes:Occipital neuralgia is...

. A probe (no larger than a small needle) is carefully placed adjacent to the specific nerve. Once in the appropriate area the probe is first used to stimulate the affected nerve helping to verify positioning. Once certain of proper placement, the tip is cooled by nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or sweet air, is a chemical compound with the formula . It is an oxide of nitrogen. At room temperature, it is a colorless non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. It is used in surgery and dentistry for its anesthetic and analgesic...

to temperatures between -50 C to envelope the nerve in an ice ball, thereby interrupting transmission. The nerve is still functional and returns to its normal (un-frozen) state immediately after the procedure is completed.
Side effects and adverse reactions are rare. Potential side effects or complications could include soreness from the procedure for a few days, trauma to the nerve, which may cause worsening of the pain or loss of nerve function, as well as infection or bleeding complications.