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Post Herpetic Neuralgia: Recent Advancements

  • Infectious Disease (J Glauser), Section Editor
  • Published:
Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To discuss updates and recommendations for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a painful neuropathic condition caused by reactivation of the latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The focus of this review will include prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and management.

Recent Findings

Using a multidisciplinary approach to management yields the best results, including oral and topical medication, physical therapy, psychotherapy, injections, complementary, and other procedural interventions, as well as neural stimulation.

Summary

Recent advancements in the management of neuropathic pain conditions have led to opioid sparing options for postherpetic neuralgia and can help prevent its progression in order to minimize disability.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA

    Sarah Money & Rohit Aiyer

  2. Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Mahmood Gharib

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  1. Sarah Money
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Correspondence to Sarah Money.

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Money, S., Gharib, M. & Aiyer, R. Post Herpetic Neuralgia: Recent Advancements. Curr Emerg Hosp Med Rep 8, 45–49 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-020-00212-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-020-00212-7

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