C1-C3 unilateral dorsal root entry zone rhizotomy for the treatment of persistent postherpetic occipital neuralgia

ABSTRACT:

Background:

Postherpetic occipital neuralgia (PHON) is a neuropathic pain condition that usually presents as paroxysmal pain that is stabbing in nature.[5,7] It involves the occiput and posterior scalp in the distribution of the greater and/or lesser occipital nerves. It usually develops after an episode of shingles.[5,7] Treatment usually first consists of medical therapy and then progresses to invasive treatment (e.g., peripheral nerve stimulation, spinal cord epidural stimulation, C2-C3 ganglionectomy, or dorsal root entry zone [DREZ] rhizotomy).[1-4,6] Here, we present a case of persistent PHON that was treated with C1-C3 DREZ.

Case Description:

A 37-year-old female had a history of several episodes of shingles involving the left neck and occiput; they resolved after

SUBMITTER:  

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6826295 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature