Overview
The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block with steroids to relieve pain in cases of post-herpetic neuralgia, patient satisfaction, and record any complications post-injection.
Description
The current study will be conducted as a single-blinded prospective randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block with steroids to relieve pain in cases of post-herpetic neuralgia.
All patients will be evaluated by:
- Full history taking: including age, sex, presence of co-morbid conditions as well as the presenting complaint.
- Clinical examination and routine lab investigations that include:
- Complete blood count (CBC).
- Fasting blood glucose (FBG).
- Coagulation profile (bleeding time, prothrombin time, prothrombin activity, international normalized ratio).
- Measurements
Patients will be followed up at 24 hours, 1 week, and 6 weeks after injection.
The following measurements will be recorded:
- Pain will be assessed pre- and post-injection using VAS score at 24 hours, 1 week, and 6 weeks post-injection.
- Need for analgesic intake post-injection will be assessed at the follow-up periods.
- Patient satisfaction using the SAPS score.
- Complications post-injection as pain, irritation or infection will be assessed.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients with post-herpetic neuralgia not responding to medical treatment.
Exclusion Criteria:
\- 1- Patient refusal 2- Age less than 20 years or older than 70 years. 3- Systemic Infection. 4-Patients with dementia or other diseases that could have impaired their memory or cognitive function.
5- Immunocompromised patients, severe osteoporosis, and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.