Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Block with Betamethasone to Treat Chronic Truncal Postherpetic Neuralgia in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Postherpetic neuralgia PHN is a persistent nerve pain lasting more than three months after a shingles rash has healed. It is a common and challenging complication, especially in older adults, with many patients over 50 at risk. This research investigates how effective an ultrasound-guided erector spinae block ESB combined with betamethasone is as an addition to standard treatment for managing truncal chronic PHN. The study compares two treatment approaches. One group will receive the usual medical care alone, while the other group will receive an erector spinae plane ESP block with betamethasone alongside the standard regimen. The ESP block involves injecting medication under the erector spinae muscle to target spinal nerves, aiming to provide pain relief without risks like pleural injury. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that may help reduce inflammation and nerve pain. Participants will be followed for eight weeks after their first clinic visit. During this time, researchers will measure pain levels, track any side effects, and record tramadol use in both groups. The study includes adults aged 18 to 75 diagnosed with truncal chronic PHN. The research team will monitor participants responses to treatments and safety throughout the study period to assess the potential benefits of adding the ESP block with betamethasone.

The Effectiveness of Ultra-Sound Guided Erector Spinae Block With Betamethasone for Management of Truncal Chronic Post Herpetic Neuralgia.