MODIFIED van-LINT TECHNIQUE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA

Abstract

Acute herpes zoster (AHZ) causes postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in 48-75 % of patients. Nerve blocks performed in the acute phase of herpes zoster may treat the pain and prevent PHN development. Here, we present pain relief with modified van-Lint block in two cases with acute herpes zoster involving vesicules on the traces of supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves. Two female patients, 72 and 66 years old respectively, with acute herpes zoster involving vesicules on the traces of supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves starting from right periocular region to scalp presented with symptoms such as hypoaestesia, dizziness, burning, throbbing and severe pain and their initial visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain were 9 and 10, respectively. Supraorbital and supratrochlear nerve blockade with modified van-Lint technique was planned as the classical nerve block sites were covered with active vesicules. Following the nerve blocks, VAS scores of both patients were decreased to 1 immediately. Vesicules were faded and scabbed and symptoms such as hypoaestesia, burning and throbbing were recovered, dizziness was relieved and VAS scores were 4 and 5, respectively after one week. VAS scores were 1 and 2, respectively after 2nd injection, and all sypmtoms were resolved and no additional analgesic was required during 3 month follow-up. Modified van-Lint block with 5 mL %1 lidocaine may provide successful pain relief in acute herpes zoster involving vesicules on the traces of supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves.