Efficacy of Transcutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency in Postherpetic Neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic pain syndrome that may be resistant to treatment and can lead to physical and social disability as well as psychological disturbances, persisting for years in some patients. Varicella zoster virus remains latent in the sensory neurons of individuals who have previously had chickenpox. Reactivation of the latent virus results in herpes zoster. Herpes zoster typically begins with dermatomal pain, followed within a few days by the development of characteristic dermatomal skin rashes. These cutaneous lesions usually resolve within 2-4 weeks; however, pain may persist even after the rash has healed. There is variability in the literature regarding the definition of PHN. The development of PHN is associated with increased central neuronal sensitization, reduced inhibitory neuronal function, inflammation and nerve injury in the peripheral nervous syste