Ultrasound Guided Continuous Sciatic Nerve Block for Acute Herpetic Neuralgia

Thierry C Bagaphou,Fabio Gori,Vittorio Cerotto,Domenico Santonastaso,Stefano Cristallini,Cinzia Tiburzi,Lucia Norgiolini,Eleonora Gargaglia

doi:10.1155/2019/7948282

Thierry C Bagaphou, Fabio Gori + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7948282

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Abstract

Herpes Zoster (HZ) is the reactivation of a well-known viral disease which manifests itself with painful skin lesions. An effective analgesic method during the acute phase of HZ can contribute to decrease the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) by reducing neural sensitization. Sciatic nerve block (SNB) is useful in the management of distal lower extremity pain sustained by the sciatic nerve. We describe our experience with a continuous ultrasound guided subgluteus sciatic nerve block in a patient with herpetic neuralgia- (HN-) related refractory acute left leg pain.

Highlights

Herpes zoster (HZ) is the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) which accesses the sensory ganglia during primary infection and typically causes painful skin lesions
An effective analgesic method during the acute phase of Herpes Zoster (HZ) can contribute to decrease the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) by reducing neural sensitization
We describe our experience with a continuous ultrasound guided subgluteus sciatic nerve block in a patient with herpetic neuralgia- (HN-) related refractory acute left leg pain

Summary

Introduction

Herpes zoster (HZ) is the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) which accesses the sensory ganglia during primary infection and typically causes painful skin lesions. The vesicular rash disappears after a few weeks the pain may persist, resulting in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) [1]. Neuraxial treatment with epidural blocks, associated with antiviral therapy, may be used to reduce the acute pain caused by HZ to prevent the PHN [6]. Recent studies have shown promising results with peripheral nerve blocks [7,8,9,10]. This case report describes the use of a continuous ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block (US-SNB), with programmed intermittent boluses (PIB) technique, in a patient with Herpetic neuralgia- (HN-) related refractory acute left leg pain

Case Report

Discussion

Findings

Conflicts of Interest