Laser therapy in post herpetic neuralgia

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Neurology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is persistent nerve pain following herpes zoster (shingles).
• Established PHN is defined as neuralgia persisting over 3 months after herpes zoster vesicles disappear.
• Effective treatment options for established PHN are crucial for improving patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Combi laser therapy in treating established post herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
• To determine the therapeutic outcomes and healing rates associated with Combi laser therapy in PHN patients.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 50 patients diagnosed with established PHN.
• Treatment consisted of 20 sessions of Combi laser therapy.
• Affected areas were irradiated at 5000 Hz, 2 cm distance, for 1.23 minutes per area (8J/cm2).
• Therapeutic evaluation was conducted on days 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20.

Main Results:

• All 17 patients with PHN duration up to 3 months achieved healing after 16 exposures.
• Overall, 44 out of 50 patients experienced a cure.
• Five patients reported partial relief, and one patient discontinued the trial early.

Conclusions:

• Combi laser therapy demonstrates significant efficacy in treating established post herpetic neuralgia.
• The treatment protocol resulted in a high cure rate and partial relief for most patients.
• Combi laser therapy presents a promising therapeutic option for managing PHN.