J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2003 Oct;34(4):366-368.

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Intractable Postherpetic Neuralgia

• Kim JO
• Lee MK
• Kim JS
• Kim DJ

Abstract

Postherpetic neuralgia(PHN) is a neuropathic pain syndrome that is often intractable. A 75-year-old man suffered intractable pain due to herpes zoster between T4 and T6 dermatome. Allodynia, the severe superficial pain that he could not wear his clothes, was improved by ablative surgery such as dorsal root entry zone lesions and dorsal root ganglionectomy. However, deep cramping pain was sustained. Because of this excruciating pain, spinal cord stimulation(SCS) was decided. After the operation, the pain has been improved to tolerable state. As with our case, a constant deep cramping pain associated with other refractory painful condition of PHN, SCS could be considered as a useful option.

Keyword

Postherpetic neuralgia; Spinal cord stimulation

MeSH Terms

Aged
Ganglionectomy
Herpes Zoster
Humans
Hyperalgesia
Muscle Cramp
Neuralgia
Neuralgia, Postherpetic*
Pain, Intractable
Spinal Cord Stimulation*
Spinal Cord*
Spinal Nerve Roots