Patient who will be presented to Tanta University Hospitals complaining of acute herpes zoster with onset of vesicular eruption less than 7 days will be included in this clinical study.
Patients will be excluded if they refused participation, had allergy to local anesthetics, coagulopathy, local infection, glaucoma, or neurological deficit.
All the patients will receive acyclovir (antiviral therapy) and pregablin (analgesic) and the patients will be classified into two groups:- Group I (control group): Patients will receive sham block weekly for three times Group III (SGB group): Patients will receive stellate ganglion block weekly for three times
The time of first block after the onset of vesicular eruption, the incidence of PHN, NPRS at visit, duration of acute HZ , duration of PHN (if occurred), and the incidence of complication will be measured.
Who can participate
Age range
60 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients who is presented to the pain clinic, diagnosed with acute herpes zoster of the face and/ or neck with onset of vesicular eruption less than seven days
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patient refusal or un-cooperation
* Known history of allergy to local anesthetics
* Local infection at the site of the block
* Platelet count less than 75,000/ cc
* Neurological deficit in the upper limb
* Glaucoma
* Bradycardia
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Incidence of Post-herpetic neuralgia
Timeframe: within 3 months of the last stellate ganglion block