ABSTRACT
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic neuropathic condition that may be associated with severe, intractable pain that can last for years and cause significant suffering. Its exact incidence and prevalence is unknown, but it is estimated to affect about 500,000 to 1 million Americans. Prevention strategies for PHN include administration of zoster vaccine, treatment with antiviral therapy within 72 hours of rash onset, and aggressive pain control. Treatment of PHN includes medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, topical lidocaine, tricyclic antidepressants, tramadol, opioids, and capsaicin cream. The term PHN is used to describe persistent, unilateral, dermatomal pain following the appearance and healing of a zoster rash. Diagnostic tests have a limited role in clinical practice and are predominantly used in a clinical research setting. Standardized Quantitative Sensory testing can distinguish between phenotypic subtypes of PHN patients that could potentially be correlated to different pathogenic mechanisms.
