Peripheral nerve stimulation for treatment of postherpetic neuralgia: A Case report

Abstract

Neuromodulation techniques have been successfully used for a variety of neuropathic pain conditions. Th e aim of this paper is to present a case of the successful use of a subcutaneously placed peripheral nerve stimulator for treatment of intractable postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). A 57-year old man presented with a two-year history of left thoracic pain that developed aft er a vesicular rash. Focal neuropathic pain had not responded to treatment with multiple analgesic medications and steroid injections. Th e patient had signifi cant relief following implantation of a peripheral nerve stimulator. Th is case represents a contribution to the small but growing body of evidence indicating that peripheral nerve stimulation may be an eff ective option for treatment of PHN not responsive to less invasive modalities.