Abstract
Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic neuropathic pain syndrome in the area of the herpes zoster (HZ) rash, persisting after the cutaneous lesions have subsided. Despite numerous treatment advances, many patients remain refractory to the current therapies and continue to have pain, physical, economical and psychological distress. In this review, we will focus on the current treatment and prevention of PHN.
Highlights
Open AccessHerpes zoster is defined as a neurocutaneous disorder due to reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in craniospinal sensory neuron
A variety of definitions of post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) have been used by clinicians, the most recent one is described in three levels [4] [5], pain persist within 30 days from the onset of rash is defined as acute herpetic neuralgia; pain present between 30 and 120 days is defined as sub acute herpetic neuralgia; pain persisting after 120 days from the onset of herpes zoster (HZ) is defined as PHN
In a randomized control trail (RCT) conducted in 2006, it was shown that a single epidural injection of 80 mg methylprednisolone acetate plus bupivacaine significantly reduced acute pain from HZ and helps in reducing the pain of PHN compared to intravenous administration of acyclovir and prednisolone [27]
Summary
Meaning belt) is defined as a neurocutaneous disorder due to reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in craniospinal sensory neuron It is an acute segmental eruption of herpetiform vesicles on the skin affecting the unilateral dermatomes and average age is between 50 - 65 years [1]. Post herpetic pain may take several forms, including allodynia (non painful stimulus perceived as painful), hyperpathia (slightly painful stimulus perceived as very painful), and dysesthesia (abnormal sensation with no stimuli). It occurs in patients older than 80 years about in 30% of cases and in patients 60 to 65 year is 20% - 30% and it is rare in patients younger than 50 years. We focus on the current treatment and prevention of PHN
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