Abstract
THE TETRAETHYLAMMONIUM ion1has been established as an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of herpes zoster and related painful conditions. Tetraethylammonium is a quarternary ammonium ion, the chloride compound of which has a structure similar to that of acetylcholine. The chief effect of the tetraethylammonium ion has been its ability to produce a block of the autonomic ganglia.2 Findley and Patzer3reported 4 cases of herpes zoster treated successfully by paravertebral procaine block. An acute inflammation of the dorsal spinal ganglia with degenerative changes in the corresponding sensory nerves, posterior horn cells and dorsal roots has been demonstrated in this disease.4Bielschowsky5has found minor inflammatory changes in the sympathetic chain at the time of an attack of herpes zoster. Vasospasm, which is a contributory factor in herpes zoster, was relieved by block of the autonomic ganglia.3After paravertebral procaine block, there occurs
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