Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia is a very painful condition that affects the skin and nerve fibers. Postherpetic neuralgia occurs after a case of shingles. While most people who experience shingles have no more effects once the scabs fall off, there is a percentage of individuals who experience postherpetic neuralgia even after all the physical signs of shingles have disappeared.
Statistics show that the older you are when you have a case of shingles, the higher your chance of developing postherpetic neuralgia is. Although postherpetic neuralgia is normally not a permanent condition, it is important to seek treatment as early as possible. By addressing your postherpetic neuralgia in its early stages, you can obtain treatment that will help reduce the pain that you experience.
Once your doctor has diagnosed you with postherpetic neuralgia, there are several treatment options that they can choose from. One of these options is actually antidepressants. In the case of postherpetic neuralgia, the antidepressants are not actually used to treat depression. Instead, they are used in an attempt to suppress brain chemicals which play a part in interpreting the pain you experience in your nerves.
Antidepressants are not the only treatment option for postherpetic neuralgia. A doctor may also choose to use injected steroids or painkillers. Steroids can be injected in the areas around the spinal cord, while painkillers can be prescribed and ingested directly. Both of these options are an attempt to ease the pain that accompanies a case of postherpetic neuralgia. Regardless of the option your doctor recommends, you can rest assured that your course of treatment will greatly decrease the pain you are forced to endure. |
