Advanced Pain Management Consultants

Do you have pain?            We want to help you manage your pain.            At Advanced Pain Management Consultants

 

wpe1.jpg (3035 bytes)        

Home

Services

Advanced Pain Management Doctor

Advanced Treatment Options

Pain Assessment Form

Patient Information Form

Appointments

Dr. Chowdhury

Sarah Biscoglia A.R.N.P.

Testimonials

Patient Education and Links

 

 

 

Post-Herpetic Neuralgia      

·        Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the pain that remains after Shingles (herpes zoster) lesions have healed. 

·        Shingles is a blistering rash that occurs only if you previously have had chickenpox.  The chickenpox virus lies dormant in the nerves and shingles occurs when it is revitalized.  Infections, stress, being generally run down, and a lowered immune system can cause the virus to become active at any time.  Along with the rash fatigue, aches/pains, and even a mild fever may occur.

·        The shingle blisters burst and crust over usually within a week and the area slowly heals.  Pain may subside as quickly as the rash, but some people are left with pain affecting that area for many months or even years (PHN).  The pain could become crippling.

·        Post Herpetic Neuralgia presents in several forms:

  •  Steady burning pain

  • Intermittent sharp stabbing pain

  • Mild-severe itching

  • Generalized fatigue

·        Treatment options for Post Herpetic Neuralgia

  • Antiviral medications within 48 hours of shingles rash

  • Tricyclic antidepressants:  Elavil, Pamelor, Norpramine

  • Anticonvulsants:  Topomax, Neurontin, Gabatril, Depakote

  • Nar cotics

  • Topical agents:  Lidoderm Patch, Zostrix cream, Lidocaine gels

  • Nerve blocks:  Epidural Steroid Injections ,Intercostal Nerve Blocks , Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

  • Psychological counseling to help cope and utilize support systems

  • Nontraditional methods:  Vitamins, aloe vera, Yoga, Reflexology, hypnosis, acupuncture

·        For More information: