3Blood Vessel Inflammation
Vasculitis, also known as blood vessel inflammation, is another cause of occipital neuralgia. It is caused by inflammation that would narrow, weaken, or thicken the blood vessels. Over time, this might restrict blood flow and increase pressure on the occipital nerves. In more serious cases, other organs or tissues can even be damaged. When a major blood vessel is completely blocked, you can be at risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Vasculitis can be short-term and disappear quickly or long-term, which could last for an extended period of time. [3]
