Postherpetic Neuralgia
(PHN)
What is
Postherpetic Neuralgia?
Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) refers to a distressing neurological ailment that endures for over a month subsequent to the resolution of the shingles rash prompted by the shingles virus. Among the prevailing complications arising from shingles, PHN stands out as the most frequent manifestation of neuropathic pain. This form of pain is characterized by its continuous presence, occasionally showing signs of abatement after a span of time. With recurrent episodes, the pain becomes excruciating to the extent that individuals might resort to potent pain-relieving medications, yet even those might not provide respite from the agony.
Morbidity
As documented in medical literature, within the population affected by postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the yearly occurrence ranges from 3.9 to 42.00 cases per 100,000 individuals. The annual occurrence of shingles stands at 3 to 5 cases per 1000 people, with approximately 9 to 34% of shingles patients subsequently experiencing the development of PHN. Presently, the prevailing consensus among medical experts suggests that the prevalence of both shingles and PHN exhibits a gradual rise in conjunction with advancing age. Among individuals aged 60 or older who have contracted shingles, about 65% are anticipated to develop PHN, while the proportion increases to 75% among patients aged 70 or older.
Commonly affected areas and Symptoms
The clinical presentation of nerve pain following a shingles outbreak is intricate and diverse, showcasing both intermittent and enduring patterns. The location of pain is predominantly observed on one side of the chest, the trigeminal nerve (mainly involving the eye branch), or the neck. Among these, chest discomfort constitutes around 50%, while head and facial regions, as well as the neck and lower back, contribute to 10-20%. Pain in the sacrococcygeal area accounts for 2-8%, with other regions making up only 1%.
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The character of the pain exhibits a wide spectrum: some sensations resemble burning, others mimic electric shocks, a few are akin to knife-like cuts, some akin to acupuncture sensations, and some even feel like tearing. Yet, the majority of instances manifest as one predominant type of pain, while a minority concurrently experience multiple types of pain.
Global approaches and pharmaceutical treatments within the realm of Western medicine for managing PHN
What is the global approach of Western medicine (general practitioners) towards PHN treatment? Comprehensive medical literature reveals three primary categories of drugs employed for addressing this condition:
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Initiating pain relief entails administering potent analgesics like Tramadol, opioids, and Morphine.
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Another strategy involves the use of calcium channel regulators, such as pregabalin or Gabapentin.
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A third avenue involves the prescription of Tricyclic antidepressants (TACs), as well as substances like 5-hydroxytryptamine and Noradrenaline.
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These distinct therapeutic pathways are well-documented methods for managing PHN and are elucidated extensively in medical literature.
The present approaches and effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating PHN:
Other traditional Chinese medicine practitioners use various methods to treat postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Common TCM approaches for PHN involve prescribing herbal remedies to enhance the body's immune function, clear heat and toxins, eliminate dampness, and relieve itching. Techniques like acupuncture and cupping are also employed. Acupuncture can provide partial pain relief, and cupping aids in detoxification and dampness removal. Although TCM treatments for PHN yield some results, they tend to be slow and have a low cure rate.
However, Dr. Martin Liu has been utilizing methods such as "hot needle" and three-edged needle bleeding techniques since the 1980s, achieving rapid and significant effects in treating PHN and shingles. Some patients experience immediate pain reduction after treatment, with swift recovery. Based on the treatment experiences of hundreds of cases over nearly 40 years, it has been proven that using these methods for shingles and PHN leads to quick results. A minority of patients see improvement after 1 to 2 sessions, while most require 4 to 5 sessions for visible results. On average, 3 to 5 treatments are sufficient for a complete cure. The overall effectiveness rate exceeds 95%, with a cure rate also surpassing 90%. Currently, this treatment approach not only holds a leading position in Australia but also stands at the forefront globally.
