NEURALGIA
TREATMENTS |
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Glossopharyngeal, trigeminal, and
postherpetic neuralgias sometimes respond to anticonvulsant drugs,
such as carbamazepine or phenytoin, or to painkillers, such as
acetaminophen. Trigeminal neuralgia may also be relieved by surgery
in which the nerve is cut or decompressed. In some cases,
compression neuralgia (including occipital neuralgia) can be
relieved by surgery.
People with shingles should see a doctor within three days of
developing the rash, since aggressive treatment of the blisters that
appear with the rash can ease the severity of the infection and
minimize the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia. However, it
is not clear whether the treatment can prevent postherpetic
neuralgia.
If postherpetic neuralgia develops, a variety of treatments can be
tried, since their effectiveness varies from person-to-person.
Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil)
Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, valproate, or carbamazepine)
Capsaicin (Xostrix), the only medication approved by the FDA for
treatment of postherpetic neuralgia
Topical painkillers
Desensitization
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
Dorsal root zone (DREZ) surgery (a treatment of last resort).
Alternative treatment
B-complex vitamins, primarily given by intramuscular injection, can
be an effective treatment. A whole foods diet with adequate protein,
carbohydrates, and fats that also includes yeast, liver, wheat germ,
and foods that are high in B vitamins may be helpful. Acupuncture is
a very effective treatment, especially for postherpetic neuralgia.
Homeopathic treatment can also be very effective when the correct
remedy is used. Some botanical medicines may also be useful. For
example, black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) appears to have anti-inflammatory
properties based on recent research. |
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