Herpes zoster virus is the cause of shingles and chicken pox. After contracting chicken pox, the virus hides in the sensory nerve ganglia, and in the case of a weak immune system, the virus may reactivate and appear as shingles (mostly in the elderly). Axons enter the relevant dermatomes and symptoms such as chicken pox appear locally. Due to the inflammation of the involved sensory nerves, the person experiences severe pain along with burning and numbness in the affected areas, which may last for a long time. It can be prolonged and sometimes even affects the person for years. The painful stage after shingles is called post-shingles neuralgia.
Treatment: Medicinal:Various drug groups such as antivirals, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants such as gabapentin, tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline, pain relievers such as diclofenac, even opioids and topical medications such as capsaicin may benefit.
Interventional treatments :1. Epidural injectionand paravertebral steroid
2. Sympathetic nerve block
3. Spinal cord stimulator may be used in very severe and resistant cases