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A Comparison of Clinical Features and Mechanisms of Trigeminal Postherpetic Neuralgia and Trigeminal Neuralgia

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Herpes Zoster: Postherpetic Neuralgia and Other Complications

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Abstract

This chapter compares and contrasts trigeminal postherpetic neuralgia (TPHN) and trigeminal neuralgia (TN) with regard to clinical features, pathology, putative pathophysiology, and treatment. These two forms of neuropathic facial pain are completely different and easy to distinguish clinically. A failure to appreciate these clinical differences will result in therapeutic failure medically and surgically.

When the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw.

- Hamlet

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Abbreviations

AMPA:

Alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-isoxazde-proprionic acid

CGRB:

Calcitonin gene-related peptide

GABA:

Gamma amino butyric acid

NMDA:

N-methyl-D-aspartate

CNS:

Central nervous system

DRG:

Dorsal root ganglion

HZ:

Herpes zoster

MVD:

Microvascular decompression

NS:

Nociceptive specific

PHN:

Postherpetic neuralgia

SNRIs:

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors

TCAs:

Tricyclic antidepressants

TN:

Trigeminal neuralgia

TPHN:

Trigeminal postherpetic neuralgia

VBSNC:

Trigeminal brainstem sensory nuclear complex

WDR:

Wide dynamic range

VZV:

Varicella zoster virus

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, and Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1G6, Canada

    Barry J. Sessle

  2. Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    C. Peter N. Watson

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  1. Barry J. Sessle
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Correspondence to Barry J. Sessle .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Toronto Department of Medicine, TORONTO, Ontario, Canada

    C. Peter N. Watson

  2. College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA

    Anne A. Gershon

  3. Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA

    Michael N. Oxman

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Sessle, B.J., Watson, C.P.N. (2017). A Comparison of Clinical Features and Mechanisms of Trigeminal Postherpetic Neuralgia and Trigeminal Neuralgia. In: Watson, C., Gershon, A., Oxman, M. (eds) Herpes Zoster: Postherpetic Neuralgia and Other Complications. Adis, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-44348-5_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-44348-5_15

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