Patient perspectives in the Management of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

Abstract

In today's healthcare environment prevention plays a pivotal role. With the aging population, herpes zoster (HZ) pain and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) are two conditions that will have a significant impact on the healthcare industry. The common held belief that HZ patients are protected from recurrence, after one episode of shingles no longer holds true. In a recent study data has shown recurrence rates of over five percent. The evidence suggests those who experienced pain lasting more than 30 days after the initial onset of shingles were more likely to have a recurrence, especially in the first three to four years after the initial episode. 6 Understanding the variables that influence the patient s perspective of pain can impact healthcare delivery. Increasing the quality of life for the elderly through preventive measures including education, immunization, and implementation of early treatment guidelines can significantly reduce the incidence of PHN.