Postherpetic Neuralgia Aggravated by Upper Complete Denture

Abstract

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic and refractory pain disease characterized by neuropathic pain that persists even after successful herpes zoster (HZ) treatment. Treatments for PHN include pharmacological modalities, including anticonvulsants and antidepressants, as well as non-pharmacological modalities such as block of the infiltrated nerve, nerve stimulation, spinal cord simulation, and intrathecal drug administration. However, PHN currently has no definitive cure; instead, the goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms. Patients with PHN may exhibit pain as a symptom of nerve irritation or damage to the infiltrated area. They may also experience allodynia due to mechanical stimulation or temperature change, as well as hypoesthesia and paresthesia. However, the same symptoms can appear as a result of other diseases that cause neuropathic pain. Therefore, when PHN does not respond to treatment, when the response to treatment changes, or when the pain pattern changes worsens, various tests must be performed, including medical history taking and physical examination, to exclude secondary causes other than PHN. In the present report, we describe a case of PHN that had been kept under control using pharmacological therapy and nerve block, but deteriorated after the patient began wearing an upper complete denture. The symptoms were relieved following correction of the upper complete denture. We report the details of this case, along with a literature review.