Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic pain syndrome that can be resistant to treatment, leading to physical and social disability, psychological disturbances, and potentially persisting for years . The varicella-zoster virus remains latent in the sensory neurons of individuals who have previously contracted varicella (chickenpox). Reactivation of the latent virus results in herpes zoster (HZ). In most patients, HZ initially presents with dermatomal pain, and within a few days, characteristic dermatomal vesicular eruptions typically develop. These skin lesions usually heal within 2-4 weeks; however, pain may persist even after the resolution of the rash . The pathogenesis of PHN involves increased sensitization of central neurons, decreased function of inhibitory neuronal pathways, inflammation and nerve injury within the peripheral nervous system, and abnormal signal transmission following such damage. PHN represents the most common complication of HZ. It occurs in approximately 9-19% of all patients with HZ. The incidence of PHN increases with advancing age: it affects approximately 2% of individuals younger than 50 years, about 20% of those older than 50 years, and nearly 35% of those older than 80 years . Various treatment modalities, including pharmacologic agents and interventional procedures, are available for the management of PHN-related pain. This study primarily aims to evaluate the change in pain in PHN patients who underwent SPSIPB using the NRS-11. The secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of SPSIPB on neuropathic pain characteristics using the DN-4 scale and to investigate its effects on patients' quality of life using SF-12 scale.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Numeric Rating Scale -11 (NRS-11)
Timeframe: 3 months