ABSTRACT

Purpose:

This study was performed retrospectively to evaluate the treatment of pain due to zona zoster and postherpetic neuralgia and prevention of postherpetic neuralgia with sympathetic blockade.

Methods:

Thirty-seven patients with zona zoster lesions in different localizations and severe pain were enrolled in this study. Cervical blockade was performed in 4 patients, paravertebral blockade in 13 patients, stellate ganglion blockade in 8 patients and intercostal blockade in 12 patients.

Results:

Complete pain relief was achieved in 35 patients with 1-3 block sessions, in l patient with 5 block sessions and in l patient with 6 block sessions.

Conclusion:

Herpes zoster pain was treated effectively and the development of postherpetic neuralgia was prevented successfully with sympathetic blockade.