Post Herpetic Neuralgia: a review and journal club

Spine & Nerve

In this week's episode of the Spine & Nerve podcast Dr. Nicolas Karvelas and Dr. Brian Joves discuss Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of Herpes Zoster (also known as Shingles, which is caused by reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus). PHN is defined by pain that is typically burning or electrical, and may be associated with allodynia or hyperesthesia in a dermatomal distribution. Pain from PHN is typically sustained for at least 90 days after the rash. PHN is caused by nerve injury due to the inflammatory response induced by viral replication within the nerve. Epidemiologic studies have found that PHN occurs in about 20% of patients who have Herpes Zoster. With the relatively recent development of the preventative vaccine Shingrix (which has been found to be 97% effective in preventing Herpes Zoster) it is anticipated that the total prevalence of Herpes Zoster and PHN will decrease. However, research has repeatedly demonstrated that immunocompromised patients are at a significantly increased risk for Herpes Zoster and PHN (20-100 times increased risk of development of PHN). As of today, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has not cleared immunocompromised patients to receive the Shingrex (or Zostavax) vaccine; therefore for multiple reasons PHN will most likely continue to be a prevalent diagnosis. Treatment options for PHN include physical modalities (TENS, desensitization), topical medications (including Lidocaine 5% patch, and Capsaicin), oral medications (including Gabapentin, Pregabalin, Tricyclic Antidepressants), and procedures. Listen as the doctors review Herpes Zoster, PHN, and a recent research article evaluating the effect of the Erector Spinae Plane Block in regards to prevention of PHN once Herpes Zoster has already developed. This podcast is for information and educational purposes only, it is not meant to be medical or career advice. If anything discussed may pertain to you, please seek counsel with your healthcare provider. The views expressed are those of the individuals expressing them, they may not represent the views of Spine & Nerve. References: 1. Zeng-Mao Lin, MD, Hai-Feng Wang, MD, Feng Zhang, MD, Jia-Hui Ma, MD, PhD, Ni Yan, RN, and Xiu-Fen Liu, MD. The Effect of Erector Spinae Plane Blockade on Prevention of Postherpetic Neuralgia in Elderly Patients: A Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial. 2021;24;E1109-E1118. 2. Dooling KL, Guo A, Patel M, et al. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for Use of Herpes Zoster Vaccines. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018;67:103–108.