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Pain and its persistence in herpes zoster
1Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Pain
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Pain from herpes zoster varies greatly. This review examines acute pain and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), offering a model for PHN development and suggesting future research directions for better treatment trials.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes zoster (shingles) can cause acute pain and lead to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
- The characteristics and duration of pain in herpes zoster are highly variable.
- Understanding PHN pathogenesis is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research on pain in acute herpes zoster and PHN.
- To explore observations relevant to PHN definition and pathogenesis.
- To inform the design of clinical trials for PHN treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on herpes zoster and PHN pain.
- Analysis of research on risk factors associated with PHN development.
- Synthesis of findings to propose a model for PHN pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Pain associated with herpes zoster exhibits significant variability in nature and duration.
- A model for the pathogenesis of PHN is presented, supported by risk factor studies.
- Key observations relevant to PHN definition and treatment trial design were identified.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex mechanisms of PHN.
- The proposed model provides a framework for understanding PHN development.
- Improved understanding can guide the development of more effective therapeutic interventions for PHN.