Does anyone have any info on PHN?

Question

My Mom was diagnosed with Shingles 15 months ago. The Shingles attacked her nervous system, and she now has been experiencing pain for the past year. She was diagnosed with PHN, (Post Hepetic Neurolga), and the pain will not diminish even after pain blocks, and many pain meds. Can anyone offer any suggestions on how to get rid of her pain? She has tried all of the "pain creams", and they don't help either. Her Doctor says it just has to run it's course, but she is in terrible pain every single day. Can someone please help? Thank You!

Answer 1

Sorry to hear about your mom, I hope this helps.

Scientists have not found a treatment that prevents all patients with shingles from developing PHN. However, there are several treatments that some think might reduce the chances of developing PHN. These treatments are:

Antiviral Medication (such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir): These medications kill the herpes virus during the shingles phase. Studies have shown that they shorten the time and pain of shingles. Because of this, antiviral medications probably reduce the chances of developing PHN after shingles, but this has never been totally proved.

Nerve Blocks: Nerve blocks are injections of numbing medications, called local anesthetics, into different nerves. Some doctors believe that doing several nerve blocks during the shingles phase will stop patients from developing PHN. Unfortunately, no studies have proven this. Nerve blocks may be a good treatment for the pain of shingles but should not be given to patients as a treatment to prevent PHN.

Tricyclic Antidepressants: One scientific study reported that giving the antidepressant amitriptyline (Elavil) during the shingles phase reduced the chance of developing PHN. Scientists need to do another study like this, with the same results, before everyone with shingles is given this type of medication.

Herbs and Other Medicinals: Many patients visit their doctors and ask about cures or treatments they have heard about in medical magazines, on the Internet, or from friends or relatives. Doctors might discourage their patients from using some of these treatments if there could be any harmful effects. Patients should not expect that any of these treatments will prevent them from getting PHN -- the sad fact remains that no treatment given during the shingles has been shown in scientific studies to prevent PHN.

Answer 2

Question the diagnosis. Is the pain exactly and only where the rash was? There are several medications being used for PHN including Lyrica, Neurontin, Elavil, Lidoderm patches and antidepressants - discuss with primary doctor or neurologist.