Postherpetic Nneuralgia: Review of Treatment Modalities
BACKGROUND: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the etiological agent for both varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (HZ) (shingles). HZ results from the reactivation of VZV acquired during childhood. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of HZ infection in immunocompetent pati...
Main Authors: | , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Hindawi Limited
2000-01-01
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Series: | Pain Research and Management |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2000/370945 |
Summary: | BACKGROUND: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the etiological agent for both varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (HZ) (shingles). HZ results from the reactivation of VZV acquired during childhood. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of HZ infection in immunocompetent patients. There is no universally accepted definition of PHN. While the mechanisms producing pain associated with PHN are not fully understood, peripheral and central processes are thought to be important. |
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ISSN: | 1203-6765 |