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. 2009 Oct;6(4):630–637. doi: 10.1016/j.nurt.2009.07.005

Postherpetic neuralgia: From preclinical models to the clinic

Ada Delaney 1, Lesley A Colvin 2, Marie T Fallon 3, Robert G Dalziel 4, Rory Mitchell 5, Susan M Fleetwood-Walker 1,✉
PMCID: PMC5084285  PMID: 19789068

Summary

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common complication of herpes zoster, which results from reactivation of varicella zoster virus, is a challenging neuropathic pain syndrome. The incidence and severity of herpes zoster and PHN increases with immune impairment or age and may become a greater burden both in terms of health economics and individual suffering. A clearer understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this disease and translation of preclinical outcomes to the clinic may lead to more efficacious treatment options. Here we give an overview of recent findings from preclinical models and clinical research on PHN.

Key Words: Postherpetic neuralgia, herpes zoster, varicella zoster virus, animal model, chronic pain, analgesia

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