Uso de Bloqueio de Gânglio Estrelado na Terapêutica da Neuralgia Pós-Herpética do Primeiro Ramo do Nervo Trigêmio. Série de casos

Introduction: The postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication of acute Herpes Zoster, classified as a chronic neuropathic pain with presence of the autonomic component in the spread of pain. Objective: This paper aims to report the results obtained in the treatment of patients who suffer from postherpetic neuralgia of the first trigeminal branch though the percutaneous chemical block of stellate ganglion. Methods: The criteria for inclusion was patients that suffer from low back pain. The numerical scale of pain (NSP) was applied to analysis the pain in the preoperative and postoperative in outpatients. The patients were submitted to two percutaneous chemical block of stellate ganglion through anterior paratracheal approach associated to conventional pharmacological treatment. Results: This study was constituted by five patients. The mean score was 10 and 2,8 points in the preoperative and postoperative, respectively. The average outpatients follow-up was 48 months. No death was found during and after the procedure. Conclusion: The shorter hospitalization, security and low cost are positive points of this therapy. This association is presented as a promising therapeutic option in postherpetic neuralgia, once that implies in a positive way the quality of life of these patients.