Are Steroid Shots in the Scalp to Treat Occipital Neuralgia Causing Hair Loss?

I am a physician assistant and my 66 y/o mother called me yesterday about hair loss. My mom was diagnosed with occipital neuralgia and has given multiple steroid injections under the scalp into the muscles and nerve sheaths. About 2 months ago her hair started to thin. Now it is falling out with just movement. She does not have a predisposition to balding. Both her parents passed away with full heads of hair. I have told her to stop doing the shots, but I wanted to see if this is possible a cause to her hair loss and if so is it permanent. Thank you for your help.

Steroids injections into the scalp can cause hair loss in the vicinity of the shots. Focal balding is common. As far as generalized hair loss, yes, steroids can cause that as well (assuming the systemic levels of drugs are achieved). Never assume a simple cause as she may have another cause of hair loss (much of it is discussed in various postings on this site). She should be checked out medically, so be sure that there is no underlying medical condition present.