Find in Library

BACKGROUND: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the etiological agent for both varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (HZ) (shingles). HZ results from the reactivation of VZV acquired during childhood. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of HZ infection in immunocompetent patients. There is no universally accepted definition of PHN. While the mechanisms producing pain associated with PHN are not fully understood, peripheral and central processes are thought to be important.