Postherpetic Neuralgia Questions & Answers

Updated: Sep 18, 2023
  • Author: W Alvin McElveen, MD; Chief Editor: Robert A Egan, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is the pathogenesis of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

What is the pathophysiology of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

What is the prevalence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in the US?

Which age group is at highest risk for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

What is the morbidity of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

How does the prevalence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) vary by sex?

How does the prevalence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) vary by age?

Presentation

What are the signs and symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

Which physical findings are characteristic of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

What are the causes of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Postherpetic Neuralgia?

Workup

What is the role of lab studies in the diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

What is the role of imaging studies in the diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

Which histologic findings are characteristic of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

Treatment

Which vaccines are FDA approved for the prevention of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

What is the cost for medical care of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

What is the role of vaccines in the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

What is the role of vitamin C in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

What is the role of lidocaine 4% ophthalmic drops in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

Medications

Which medications are used in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

Which medications in the drug class Anesthetics, Topical are used in the treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia?

Which medications in the drug class Analgesics, Topical are used in the treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia?

Which medications in the drug class Anticonvulsants are used in the treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia?

Which medications in the drug class Antiviral agents are used in the treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia?

Which medications in the drug class Tricyclic antidepressants are used in the treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia?

Which medications in the drug class Anesthetics are used in the treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia?

Follow-up

What is the prognosis of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

Where are patient educations resources for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) found?