Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
What is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
What is the incidence of HZ in the United States?
What is the incidence of HZ in the United States?
What are the risk factors for HZ?
What are the risk factors for HZ?
What is the incidence of PHN in immunocompetent people?
What is the incidence of PHN in immunocompetent people?
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What are the three types of pain associated with PHN?
What are the three types of pain associated with PHN?
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What is the pathophysiology of PHN?
What is the pathophysiology of PHN?
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What is the first-line treatment for PHN?
What is the first-line treatment for PHN?
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What is second-line therapy for PHN?
What is second-line therapy for PHN?
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What is third-line treatment for PHN?
What is third-line treatment for PHN?
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What is the initial presentation of HZ?
What is the initial presentation of HZ?
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What is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
What is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
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What is herpes zoster (HZ)?
What is herpes zoster (HZ)?
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Who is at higher risk for herpes zoster (HZ) reactivation?
Who is at higher risk for herpes zoster (HZ) reactivation?
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What is the prodromal phase of herpes zoster (HZ)?
What is the prodromal phase of herpes zoster (HZ)?
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What is the lifetime risk of having herpes zoster (HZ)?
What is the lifetime risk of having herpes zoster (HZ)?
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What are the first-line treatments for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
What are the first-line treatments for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
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What are the second-line treatments for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
What are the second-line treatments for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
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What are the third-line treatments for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
What are the third-line treatments for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
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What is the first-line treatment for PHN?
What is the first-line treatment for PHN?
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What is the mechanism of action of lidocaine patches in treating PHN?
What is the mechanism of action of lidocaine patches in treating PHN?
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What is the role of α2–δ ligands in treating PHN?
What is the role of α2–δ ligands in treating PHN?
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What is the second-line therapy for PHN?
What is the second-line therapy for PHN?
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What are the third-line treatment options for PHN?
What are the third-line treatment options for PHN?
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Which of the following is NOT a first-line treatment for PHN?
Which of the following is NOT a first-line treatment for PHN?
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Which molecule is the main inhibitory molecule of the central nervous system (CNS)?
Which molecule is the main inhibitory molecule of the central nervous system (CNS)?
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How do lidocaine patches work to treat PHN?
How do lidocaine patches work to treat PHN?
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What is the recommended maximum number of lidocaine patches that can be placed in the affected area every 24 hours?
What is the recommended maximum number of lidocaine patches that can be placed in the affected area every 24 hours?
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What is the third-line treatment for PHN?
What is the third-line treatment for PHN?
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What type of medication is Tramadol?
What type of medication is Tramadol?
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Which type of nerve blocks are most commonly used for PHN?
Which type of nerve blocks are most commonly used for PHN?
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Study Notes
Overview of Postherpetic Neuralgia: Incidence, Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Prevention, and Treatment
- Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common pain syndrome that occurs after an episode of herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles.
- HZ is the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) that remains in the dorsal root ganglion, typically reactivating years after the primary infection.
- HZ is clinically defined as a dermatomal prodrome of severe pain followed by the development of grouped vesicles with erythematous bases spread within a sensory dermatome.
- The incidence of HZ in the United States is four cases per 100,000 annually, increasing to 10 per 100,000 in those who are 60 years of age and older.
- The risk factors for HZ include immunocompromise, medications, white blood cell malignancies, and older age.
- The incidence of PHN is about 10%-15% of people who are immunocompetent, but the incidence and severity increase exponentially with age.
- The initial presentation of PHN includes hypoesthesia, pain, and three types of pain: constant and deep pain, an aching or burning pain, or episodic and acute attacks of sharp pain with allodynia.
- The pathophysiology of PHN is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by the latent VZV in the dorsal root ganglion affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems after an immunocompromised event.
- There is no curative treatment for PHN, but management of symptoms is possible through the use of oral, topical, and procedural methods.
- First-line treatments for PHN include tricyclic antidepressants, α2–δ ligands, and 5% lidocaine patches.
- Second-line therapy involves adding opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to the treatment plan.
- Third-line treatment comprises invasive procedural methods such as nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, pulsed radiofrequency denervation, and spinal cord stimulators.
Understanding and Treating Postherpetic Neuralgia
- Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common pain syndrome that can occur after an episode of herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles.
- HZ is the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) that remains in the dorsal root ganglion and typically reactivates years after the primary infection.
- The incidence of HZ in the United States is 4 cases per 100,000 annually, with a higher rate of 10 per 100,000 in those who are 60 years of age and older.
- Immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV, white blood cell malignancies, and those taking certain medications, are at higher risk for HZ reactivation.
- The prodromal phase of HZ is characterized by severe pain with dysesthesia along a single sensory dermatome, followed by the development of pathognomonic vesicular rash.
- The lifetime risk of having HZ can be decreased from 20% to 10% with a live HZ vaccine approved for patients 60 years of age and older.
- PHN affects about 10%-15% of immunocompetent people, with the incidence and severity increasing exponentially with age.
- PHN symptoms include hypoesthesia, pain, and allodynia, with distribution typically occurring in the same areas as HZ outbreak.
- The pathophysiology of PHN is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the effect of latent VZV in the dorsal root ganglion on the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- There is no curative treatment for PHN, but symptoms can be managed with oral, topical, and procedural methods.
- First-line treatments for PHN include tricyclic antidepressants, α2–δ ligands, and 5% lidocaine patches.
- Second-line treatments involve adding opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to the treatment plan, while third-line treatments include invasive procedural methods such as nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulators.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) with this informative quiz! Learn about the incidence, epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment options for this common pain syndrome that occurs after an episode of shingles. Challenge yourself to understand the risk factors, symptoms, and management strategies for PHN, and become an expert on this important topic. This quiz is suitable for anyone interested in learning more about postherpetic neuralgia, from healthcare professionals to curious individuals