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Related Experiment Videos

Postherpetic neuralgia.

C P Watson1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Irene Eleanor Smythe Pain Clinic, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Neurologic Clinics
|May 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful condition that can follow herpes zoster. While difficult to prevent, treatments like systemic steroids, amantadine, and amitriptyline show promise for managing PHN pain.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pain Management
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic pain condition that can persist after herpes zoster (shingles).
  • Its incidence is age-related, and pathogenesis may involve abnormal dorsal horn activity.
  • Preventing PHN is challenging, but understanding its features is key to management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding and therapeutic options for postherpetic neuralgia.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of various treatments for PHN prophylaxis and management.
  • To highlight areas where further scientific investigation is needed.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on postherpetic neuralgia.
  • Analysis of evidence for preventive and therapeutic interventions.

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  • Discussion of proposed pathogenetic mechanisms.

    • Main Results:

    • Systemic steroids (prednisone) may prevent PHN in immunocompetent patients with herpes zoster.
    • Amantadine is an option for patients with contraindications to steroids.
    • Low-dose amitriptyline is effective in reducing established PHN pain in a majority of patients.

    Conclusions:

    • PHN prevention remains difficult, though systemic steroids and amantadine show some efficacy.
    • Amitriptyline provides significant pain relief for established PHN.
    • Further research is needed for other suggested therapies like topical capsaicin and anticonvulsants.