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Efficacy of Transcutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency in Postherpetic Neuralgia

NCT07390279 · Status: RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 35

Last updated 2026-02-05

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic pain syndrome that may be resistant to treatment and can lead to physical and social disability as well as psychological disturbances, persisting for years in some patients. Varicella zoster virus remains latent in the sensory neurons of individuals who have previously had chickenpox. Reactivation of the latent virus results in herpes zoster. Herpes zoster typically begins with dermatomal pain, followed within a few days by the development of characteristic dermatomal skin rashes. These cutaneous lesions usually resolve within 2-4 weeks; however, pain may persist even after the rash has healed.

There is variability in the literature regarding the definition of PHN. The development of PHN is associated with increased central neuronal sensitization, reduced inhibitory neuronal function, inflammation and nerve injury in the peripheral nervous system, and abnormal neural transmission following nerve damage. PHN is the most common complication of herpes zoster and occurs in approximately 9-19% of affected patients. Its incidence increases with age, occurring in about 2% of patients under 50 years of age, approximately 20% of those over 50 years, and nearly 35% of patients over 80 years of age.

Various treatment options are available for the management of PHN-related pain, including pharmacological and interventional approaches. Systemic agents include tricyclic antidepressants, calcium channel alpha-2-delta ligands, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and opioids, while topical treatments include lidocaine and capsaicin. Interventional treatment options for PHN include epidural and intrathecal injections, sympathetic nerve blocks, erector spinae plane block, subcutaneous injections, and spinal cord stimulation.

Conditions

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Transcutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency

The TCPRF procedure will be performed by the same algology specialist. Patients will be monitored according to standard protocols, including noninvasive blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and electrocardiography. The procedure will be conducted in the supine position. For TCPRF, 45 × 98 mm transcutaneous electrodes (Equip, FIAB SPA, Via P. Costoli, Italy) will be used. Electrodes will be placed over the most painful area along the affected dermatome. TCPRF will be delivered at 80 volts, 2 Hz, and 20 ms pulse width for a duration of 8 minutes. The procedure will be repeated three times at one-week intervals.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascıoglu Education and Research Hospital Organization

    lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-02-01
Primary Completion
2026-06-01
Completion
2026-08-03

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07390279 on ClinicalTrials.gov