Which Is More Effective in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia: Erector Spinae Plane Block or Transcutaneous Radiofrequency?
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Recruiting
- Enrollment
- 50
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- VAS
Overview
Brief Summary
This observational study aims to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block and transcutaneous radiofrequency (RF) treatment in patients with postherpetic neuralgia. Pain intensity and neuropathic pain characteristics will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Self-Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) score.
Detailed Description
Postherpetic neuralgia is a challenging neuropathic pain condition that significantly affects quality of life. In routine clinical practice, patients are treated with either ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block or transcutaneous radiofrequency therapy based on clinician preference and experience.
This observational study includes patients who have already completed one of these treatments as part of standard care in the Algology Clinic. No randomization or modification of treatment plans was performed for research purposes. Patients will be divided into two cohorts according to the treatment they received. Treatment outcomes will be retrospectively evaluated and compared using VAS and S-LANSS scores before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at 1-month follow-up.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Cohort
- Time Perspective
- Prospective
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 80 Years (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia involving cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions
- •Age between 18 and 80 years
- •Persistent pain despite conservative treatment
- •Baseline VAS score \> 5
Exclusion Criteria
- •Ophthalmic or extremity postherpetic neuralgia
- •Allergy to local anesthetics
- •Coagulopathy or use of antiplatelet therapy
- •Cognitive impairment preventing informed consent
Arms & Interventions
Erector Spinae Plane Block
Patients with postherpetic neuralgia who received ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block as part of routine clinical care.
Intervention: Erector Spinae Plane Block (Procedure)
Transcutaneous Radiofrequency
Patients with postherpetic neuralgia who received transcutaneous radiofrequency treatment applied adjacent to the lesion area as part of routine clinical care
Intervention: Erector Spinae Plane Block (Procedure)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
VAS
Time Frame: Baseline, post-procedure 1 month
Pain intensity assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS): is a simple tool used in clinical trials to measure pain intensity. Patients rate their pain on a scale, typically from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). It provides a quick, quantitative assessment of subjective pain and is commonly used to evaluate treatment effectiveness before and after intervention.
Secondary Outcomes
- S-LANSS(Baseline, post-procedure 1 month)
Investigators
Damla Yürük
Supervisor Investigator
Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital