Obturator Nerve Block for Post Herpetic Neuralgia at an Unusual Site: A Case Report

Abstract

Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PI-IN) is a debilitating complication of herpes zoster, the risk of which increases with age. It is the commonest long-term complicationwhich results after reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV). VZV establishes latency in the ganglia of dorsal root following a primary infection and may be reactivated with an acute phase causing pain and skin rash. Despite numerous treatment advances, many patients remain refractory to the current therapies and continue to have pain, physical and psychological distress. We present a case report of 45 years old woman who developed PHN in an unusual site and did not respond to traditional management strategies available. Obturator nerve block was used to treat her intense pain and mechanical allodynia. She responded well and tremendously improved.