Effect of 0.3-Millisecond Multi-Pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG Laser in Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication following acute varicella zoster virus infection. PHN is associated with chronic severe pain and is resistant to conservative management treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 0.3-millisecond multi-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser treatment on PHN. Five subjects were treated with 2 - 3 sessions at 2-week interval. After the treatments, reduced visual analog scale (VAS) scores were noted in all patients. Treatments showed no adverse or intolerant effects and all patients felt warmth and comfort during the therapy. We first reported treating PHN patients using 0.3-millisecond multi-pulsed 1064-nm laser Nd:YAG. The results showed remarkable improvements in pain. This laser treatment could be an alternative choice for PHN patients with intractable neuralgia.