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Updated: May 31, 2026
04:41
Plaquing of Herpes Simplex Viruses
Published on: November 5, 2021
Hyperaesthesia following genital herpes: a case report.
1Sexual Health Physician, Pacific Clinic, 670 Hunter Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300, Australia.
Dermatology Research and Practice
|July 13, 2011
Summary
A rare case of sacral radiculopathy causing severe pain after genital herpes simplex infection was treated. Amitriptyline hydrochloride provided relief when antiviral therapy failed, highlighting its novel therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pain Management
Background:
- Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can lead to neurological complications.
- Sacral radiculopathy is a rare but debilitating consequence of HSV, characterized by severe neuropathic pain.
Observation:
- An adult female presented with incapacitating dysthesias (painful sensations) affecting the sacral region.
- These symptoms emerged following a primary genital herpes simplex infection and subsequently recurred.
Findings:
- Standard systemic antiviral treatment for HSV failed to alleviate the patient's persistent painful syndrome.
- The addition of amitriptyline hydrochloride to the treatment regimen resulted in significant pain relief.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for rare neurological sequelae of genital herpes simplex virus.
- Amitriptyline hydrochloride may represent a novel and effective therapeutic option for managing persistent sacral radiculopathy secondary to HSV.
- Further research into the neuro-inflammatory mechanisms of HSV-induced radiculopathy and the role of tricyclic antidepressants is warranted.
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