Korean J Anesthesiol.  1979 Mar;12(1):84-88.

Sympathetic Nerve Block for Herpes Zoster

• Oh HK
• Kim JR
• Na KH

Abstract

Since May 1976, 16 cases of herpes zoster were treated, mainly by repeated stellate ganglion or epidural block with 1% lidocaine. These cases were divided into two groups depending on the duration of herpes zoster, within 2 weeks (group 1) and 2 weeks to 2 months (group 2). The results were as follows: 1) No significant differences of sex and age distribution in the two groups were observed. The youngest case was 12 years old, the oldest 80 years and 87. 5% of cases were above the age of 50. 2) The left side was slightly more often involved. The highest incidence was observed in the thoracic region (62.5%) and in 1 or 2 segments (75%). 3) Blocks, repeated more than four times, were needed for the complete relief of pain in group 1. 4) The effect of repeated blocks was excellent in early cases. The above results indicate that repeated sympathetic blocks, more than 5 times, were effective for early cases of herpes zoster.

MeSH Terms

Age Distribution
Autonomic Nerve Block*
Child
Herpes Zoster*
Humans
Incidence
Lidocaine
Stellate Ganglion
Lidocaine