Postherpetic Neuralgia Follow-up

Updated: Sep 18, 2023
  • Author: W Alvin McElveen, MD; Chief Editor: Robert A Egan, MD  more...
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Follow-up

Prognosis

See the list below:

  • The natural history of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) involves slow resolution of the pain syndrome.

  • In those patients who develop PHN, most will respond to analgesic agents such as the tricyclic antidepressants.

  • A subgroup of patients may develop severe, long-lasting pain that does not respond to medical therapy. Continued research for new agents is necessary.

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Patient Education

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