EXPORT CITATION

Chapter-40 Post Herpetic Neuralgia: Causes and Pain Management

BOOK TITLE: Symptom Oriented Pain Management

Author
1. Charles Daknis
ISBN
9789350257975
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11597_40
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2012
Pages
9
Author Affiliations
1. Spine and Pain Centers of New Jersy, USA
Chapter keywords

Abstract

Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) occurs after an acute infection of herpes zoster where afflicted individual develops pain along the effected dermatome. Zoster results from the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) and age greater than 50 is a large risk factor associated with this disease. Pain is the primary cause and rashes are developed in the areas of pain. Clinical examination of post herpetic neuralgia is simple which includes evaluating skin at the site of pain. Anterior uveitis inflammation, episcleritis inflammation of the sclera, mucopurulent conjunctivitis and keratitis inflammation of the cornea are some of the ocular symptoms. The best treatment available of this disorder is to be early intervention with the use of antiviral agents (acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir). It can also be treated with interventional pain management techniques. Gabapentin and pregabalin are the other pharmacologic medications which are commonly used for the reduction in PHN. Many treatments are adviced but must be considered experimental until solid data is produced to confirm their efficacy.

Related Books

© 2019 Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.   |   All Rights Reserved