Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN): Understanding and Treatment

Also known as herpes zoster, postherpetic neuralgia is a viral infection. After its acute phase, the virus moves to the sensory nervous system. The virus can lay dormant for many years, until age or a condition which compromises the immune system may cause it to erupt in to a painful rash, also called shingles. While it is extremely uncomfortable, it is not fatal and is somewhat treatable.

Instructions

Dorsal Root Entry Zone (DREZ)

• 1

  Visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Even if you have all of the symptoms, it's always best to check with a doctor to make sure you are not misdiagnosing yourself.

• 2

  Talk with your doctor about the multiple ways in which postherpetic neuralgia can be treated. One of these treatments is called dorsal root entry zone (DREZ).

• 3

  Undergo dorsal root entry zone surgery. This surgery has a long-term improvement rate of 20%.

Drug Treatment

• 4

  Visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis and so that she can evaluate which treatment options best suit your condition.

• 5

  Talk with your doctor about the multiple ways in which postherpetic neuralgia can be treated. One option for treatment of postherpetic neuralgia is taking various types of prescription drugs.

• 6

  Discuss the right combination of anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, anesthetics, corticosteroids and antiviral agents. There are many different kinds of each drug, and therefore numerous combinations. You may have to experiment to find out which drugs work well for you.