Occipital Neuralgia vs. Cervicogenic Headache vs. Migrainous Cervicalgia

This presentation delves into the intricate differentiation between Occipital Neuralgia, Cervicogenic Headache, and Migrainous Cervicalgia, three frequently misdiagnosed conditions associated with head and neck pain. Through a comprehensive analysis, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the distinct clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and treatment approaches for each condition. By the end of this session, OFP dentists will be able to better diagnose and manage these challenging yet prevalent disorders, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.

Paul G. Mathew, MD, DNBPAS, FAAN, FAHS completed his neurology residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, and then completed a fellowship in headache medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  He is board certified in neurology and headache medicine.  He is currently an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School (HMS), and holds positions at three HMS affiliated institutions.  He has clinical appointments at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates/Atrius Health, as well as a teaching appointment at the Cambridge Health Alliance.  In addition to conventional headache treatments, Dr. Mathew performs Botox injections, trigger point injections, and nerve blocks.

In terms of his academic responsibilities, he has been involved in the education of countless neurology, psychiatry, internal medicine, family medicine, dental medicine, pain medicine, and headache medicine trainees.  Regarding medical student education, he is the founder of the Harvard Medical School Advanced Neurology Clerkship at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital.

He has written over 80 publications, and has presented at both national and international conferences.  Dr. Mathew has served as a peer reviewer for multiple journals including the American Journal of Managed Care, the British Medical Journal, Cephalalgia, Headache, Headache Currents, Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic Proceedings,Neurology, the Journal of Neuroimaging, and the New England Journal of Medicine. He is the Co-Chief Medical Editor of the journal Practical Neurology.  In addition, Dr. Mathew applies his passion for writing as a contributing editor on the Harvard Medical School Health Blog, which is intended to educate the public on a wide array of subjects in medicine.  He is a member of several medical societies including the Massachusetts Neurological Association, the American Academy of Neurology, the American Headache Society, and the International Headache Society.  He is the current Chairman of the American Headache Society Procedural Special Interest Section.

Dr. Mathew also applies his passion and expertise to the role of advocate for both patients and fellow physicians. He has participated in multiple successful lobbying efforts in Washington, DC headed by the American Academy of Neurology to improve patients’ access to healthcare and research funding.  In March, 2015, Dr. Mathew was appointed as the neurology representative on the advisory board of the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons), and in January, 2019 was appointed Director of Legislative Affairs.  The National Board of Physicians and Surgeons is an organization committed to providing board re-certification that ensures physician compliance with national standards and lifelong learning after completing initial board certification with an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board.

Recorded October 17, 2023

  American Academy of Orofacial Pain is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.  ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. American Academy of Orofacial Pain designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credits.