Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Review

Abstract

Postherpetic neuralgia, a complication of herpes zoster, is a neuropathic pain syndrome which results from a combination of inflammatory and viral damage to primary afferent fibers of sensory nerves. Postherpetic neuralgia is often diagnosed when pain persists in a dermatomal pattern weeks after the herpes zoster vesicular eruption has healed. The pain of postherpetic neuralgia can be debilitating, severely affecting patients’ quality of life. Unfortunately, no treatment has been shown to completely prevent postherpetic neuralgia, yet some treatments may shorten the duration or lessen the severity of symptoms. The pathophysiology, incidence, epidemiology, and treatment options for postherpetic neuralgia are presented.