Etymology: L, crena, notch. the formation of notches or leaflike scalloped edges on an object. Red blood cells exposed to a hypertonic saline solution acquire a notched, shriveled surface as a result of the osmotic effect of the solution. They are then called crenated red blood cells. crenate, crenated, adj.
Occipital neuralgia is the neck/head pain that results from injury or irritation to the occipital nerves. It can be caused by trauma, such as a car accident, by a pinched nerve root in the neck (from arthritis, for example) or by âtightâ muscles at the back of the head that entrap the nerves.
Occipital Neuralgia/ Occipital Neuritis: The greater occipital nerve is the main nerve that serves the back of the head or the scalp. This nerve, located on each side of the base of the skull, arises from the roots of the nerves of the upper-most portion of the spinal cord inside of the spinal column. The occipital nerves provide sensation and muscular strength to the muscles in the scalp at the back of the head behind the ears.