Supraorbital neuralgia is a rare but painful condition caused by irritation or injury to the supraorbital nerve, a sensory branch of the trigeminal nerve. It presents as chronic or intermittent pain in the forehead, eyebrow, and scalp, often felt as a burning, stabbing, or aching sensation above the eye.
This condition can be misdiagnosed as migraine or sinus pain, but it has unique features and can often be treated with targeted, minimally invasive procedures.
Common Causes
Supraorbital neuralgia may result from nerve entrapment, trauma, or inflammation. Common triggers include:
Direct trauma to the forehead (e.g., sports injury, falls, assault)
Surgical scars or cosmetic procedures (e.g., brow lifts, injections)
Tight headwear or helmets
Nerve compression from muscle tension or fascial entrapment
Idiopathic cases where no specific cause is identified
Symptoms
Sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the forehead and scalp, typically on one side
Pain that may radiate toward the eye or into the scalp
Tenderness over the supraorbital notch (just above the eyebrow)
Episodes triggered by touch, eyebrow movement, or pressure on the forehead
Persistent aching between sharp pain attacks
Conservative Treatment Options
Medications
NSAIDs or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Neuropathic agents (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin, or tricyclic antidepressants)
Topical agents (e.g., lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream)
Lifestyle & Physical Therapy
Avoiding triggers such as tight headgear or direct pressure to the area
Gentle massage therapy, posture correction, and myofascial release
Interventional Treatment Options
If conservative treatments are ineffective, interventional pain management offers targeted solutions:
Supraorbital Nerve Block
A local injection of anesthetic and corticosteroid near the supraorbital notch
Often provides immediate relief and helps confirm the diagnosis
Can be repeated for long-lasting symptom control
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Thermal lesioning of the supraorbital nerve to disrupt pain signals
Suitable for patients who have sustained relief from nerve blocks
Minimally invasive, with relief lasting 6–12 months or longer
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
Involves implanting a small electrode near the supraorbital nerve
Delivers electrical impulses to modulate nerve activity
Especially effective for chronic, medication-resistant cases
Botox Injections
May help reduce pain by relaxing nearby muscles and dampening nerve sensitivity
Particularly useful if symptoms overlap with migraine or tension-type headaches
When to See a Specialist
If you experience ongoing pain in the forehead, eyebrow, or scalp—especially pain triggered by light touch or localized pressure—supraorbital neuralgia may be the cause. A pain management physician or neurologist can perform a physical exam and diagnostic nerve block to confirm the condition.
Personalized Relief Starts Here
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we specialize in diagnosing and treating nerve-related facial and head pain using the latest techniques. Whether you're dealing with sharp forehead pain or persistent discomfort above the eye, we offer precise, minimally invasive treatments to help you find lasting relief.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to explore your options for supraorbital neuralgia relief.