Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

If you had chickenpox as a child, you need to know your risk for related complications like shingles and postherpetic neuralgia as an adult. Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the burning or stabbing pain of postherpetic neuralgia. The board-certified neurologists take a patient-centered approach to ease existing pain and also provide therapeutic solutions for the long-term management of postherpetic neuralgia. Call the Braselton, Bethlehem, or Lilburn, Georgia, office today to schedule a consultation for postherpetic neuralgia symptoms or book an appointment online.

What is postherpetic neuralgia?

Postherpetic neuralgia is a side effect of shingles, a viral infection that causes a blistering, painful rash in people who’ve had chickenpox. The virus remains in your cells for the rest of your life and can become active at any time, especially after age 60.

A shingles outbreak can damage nerve fibers and lead to severe, burning pain that affects the nerves and skin in the midsection of your body. Pain can persist even after the shingles rash is gone.

Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute offers comprehensive care for postherpetic neuralgia pain. The board-certified neurologists specialize in treatments that provide lasting relief of nerve-related pain and protect against progressive nerve damage.

What are the symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia?

The pain of postherpetic neuralgia generally affects one side of the body. You may notice unusual pain in the trunk of your body before a rash develops.

Pain can feel like a burning or stabbing sensation. In addition, you may also experience a deep, aching pain that increases your sensitivity to touch.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute if you have ongoing pain that lasts for three months or longer. 

The neurologists provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to confirm postherpetic neuralgia and rule out other conditions.

How is postherpetic neuralgia treated?

There’s no cure for postherpetic neuralgia but with ongoing treatment, you can stay in control of your symptoms. 

Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute offers advanced pain management solutions, including:

• Medicated skin patches
• Antidepressants
• Anticonvulsants
• Pain relievers
• Steroid injections

Your neurologist might also recommend lifestyle changes you can make to stay healthy and active, such as eating a well-balanced diet, getting sufficient sleep, and reducing stress through mindfulness practices and daily exercise. These changes may also be beneficial for decreasing pain and sensitivity to touch.

Regular follow-up visits give the providers an opportunity to monitor your progress with different treatments. They can also adjust your care plan as needed to maximize pain relief. 

Call Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for postherpetic neuralgia symptoms or book a consultation online.