Prevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados a la neuralgia occipital en docentes universitarios.

Abstract

Introduction: Occipital Neuralgia (ON) is defined as a sudden and sharp pain, characterized by a stabbing sensation, which may occur unilaterally or bilaterally in the posterior region of the scalp, within the distribution of the occipital nerves. It can become debilitating and very painful. Objective: To identify the prevalence and associated risk factors of Arnold's Occipital Neuralgia in female teachers working at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Santiago de Guayaquil Catholic University. Methodology: This study is descriptive, observational, prospective, crosssectional, with a quantitative approach. The population consists of 81 female teachers, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The chi-square test and Odds ratio with confidence interval were used to analyze risk factors. Results: According to diagnostic criteria from the International Headache Society, statistically significant differences were only found in stabbing pain (17,9%) and dysesthesia or allodynia (11,5%). The prevalence of ON in the population was 15,4%. No significant differences were found in other criteria (p>0,05). Risk factors such as stress and hypothyroidism did not show significant associations, although they were close (Odds ratio: stress 4,42, hypothyroidism 3,33). Conclusion: The proposed risk factors are not significantly associated with the prevalence of ON in this population of teachers.