Treating neuralgia after herpes zoster infection with pulsed radiofrequency electrotherapy combined with acupuncture or electroacupuncture

Abstract

Objective To observe the clinical effect of pulsed radiofrequency electrotherapy combined with acupuncture or electroacupuncture in treating neuralgia after herpes zoster infection. Methods Eighty-eight patients were divided into a control group, an electroacupuncture group, a pulsed electrotherapy group and a combined group using a random number table. The 4 groups were routinely given gabapentin and tramadol, while the electroacupuncture group was additionally treated with electroacupuncture, the pulsed electrotherapy group received radiofrequency irradiation of the dorsal root ganglion, and the combined group was given CT-guided pulsed radiofrequency electrotherapy combined with electroacupuncture or acupuncture. Before the treatment and 15 days and 1 month afterward, everyone was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the Hamilton anxiety (HAMA) and depression (HAMD) scales and the short form 36 (QOL-SF36) quality of life assessment. The area of painful skin was also measured. Results There were no significant differences among the 4 groups at the outset in any of the measurements. Significant improvement was observed in all of the measurements 15 and 30 days after the treatment except in the control group. The combined group was by then significantly better than the other 3 groups. Their dosage of gabapentin and tramadol had decreased significantly compared with the other groups after 3 months of treatment. Conclusion CT-guided pulsed radiofrequency electrotherapy combined with acupuncture or electroacupuncture is safe and effective for treating post-herpes neuralgia. It is worthy of clinical application and promotion. Key words: Herpes; Neuralgia; Pulsed electrotherapy; Radiofrequency irradiation; Electroacupuncture; Dorsal root ganglia