Postherpetic Neuralgia
What Is Postherpetic Neuralgia?
Postherpetic neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that occurs after a person has had shingles, a condition caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
The infection causes a painful rash with blisters that generally heals within two to four weeks. Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles in which the affected nerve doesn’t heal and the pain continues for months or even years after the shingles rash has healed.
Symptoms of Postherpetic Neuralgia
The most common symptom of postherpetic neuralgia is a burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain that can range from mild to severe. The pain is often worse when exposed to cold air or water or when touched. Other symptoms may include:
- Skin hypersensitivity
- Itching or numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Insomnia
How Is Postherpetic Neuralgia Diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose postherpetic neuralgia based on your medical history, symptoms, and physical examination. He or she may order tests, such as a skin biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia
There is no cure for postherpetic neuralgia, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and reduce pain. Treatment options include:
- Anticonvulsants and antiepileptic drugs which help to relieve nerve pain.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation.
- Antidepressants, which can reduce pain and also improve sleep.
- Topical treatments such as capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches.
- Nerve blocks, injections of numbing medication into the affected area.
- Radiofrequency ablation, a treatment in which a high-frequency electrical current is used to destroy the nerve that is sending painful signals.
Prevention of Postherpetic Neuralgia
The best way to prevent postherpetic neuralgia is to get the shingles vaccination. The vaccine is recommended for people over 50, because the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia increases with age. It is also recommended for people who have already had shingles, as a second attack of the virus can lead to postherpetic neuralgia. It is important to note that the vaccine does not guarantee protection against the virus, but it can reduce the risk of infection.