Postherpetic Trigeminal Neuralgia of the V2 Branch Treated with Electrodes Placed through the Foramen Ovale: A Case Report

Abstract

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus that causes both primary and recurrent viral infections. Herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, is a unique condition that is induced by VZV reactivation. Neuropathic pain, malaise, and sleep disruption are prodromal symptoms in such cases. Postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia is a neuropathic pain caused by VZV infection of the trigeminal ganglion or branches, which remains or reappears after herpes crusting. In this report, we present a case of post-herpetic trigeminal neuralgia of the V2 branch, exhibiting findings of unusual involvement of the trigeminal nerve. Notably, the patient was treated using electrodes placed through the foramen ovale.

Keywords

herpes zoster - trigeminal neuralgia - electrical stimulation - postherpetic neuralgia - pulsed radiofrequency

Competing Interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Disclosures

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Publication History

Received: 28 September 2022

Accepted: 07 March 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
13 March 2023

Article published online:
13 September 2023

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