AACHEN, Germany, September 6, 2012
Targeted Treatment for Patients Suffering from Postherpetic Neuralgia: It's a Control Thing
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Ask pain patients what they expect from their treatment and the answer is simple: "I want to sleep through the whole night," or, "I want to be able to walk with my wife." They want relief with minimal side effects to master a normal life. Therefore, people with chronic pain may also be attracted to treatments offering flexibility; a sense of control over their disease even when pain management is required for extended periods.
Experts addressing a symposium hosted by Grünenthal at the 14th World Congress on Pain in Milan said topical treatment with a 5% lidocaine medicated plaster, can help improve quality of life for patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), without a high risk of interacting with other medications or impairing cognitive performance.
PHN is a form of neuropathic pain that occurs after reactivation by the varicella zoster virus (shingles). Some people develop chronic pain after healing from shingles. They suffer from localised symptoms such as constant burning, stabbing and shooting pain, allodynia and hyperalgesia. In up to 20% of people reactivation of the virus occurs at some point in their lives, with between 8% and 19% of these individuals developing PHN.
The burden of PHN is significant. Up to 90% of PHN patients have allodynia which can have a major impact on quality of life and potentially lead to depression. Severe pain has also been shown to impair day-to-day functioning and work performance.Helping patients to live a normal life is a central goal of PHN management. Current pharmacological treatment options for PHN include systemic and topical therapy.
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