Article Sidebar

PDF
Date Published: 24/04/2026
Abstract Views: 0
Views PDF: 0
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51298/vmj.v560i3.17952
Issue
Vol. 560 No. 3 (2026)
Section
Các bài báo
How to Cite
Lê , V. T., & Đỗ , T. P. (2026). EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF POST-HERPETIC NEURALGIA WITH PROLOTHERAPY. Vietnam Medical Journal, 560(3). https://doi.org/10.51298/vmj.v560i3.17952

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF POST-HERPETIC NEURALGIA WITH PROLOTHERAPY

Viết Thắng Lê , Trọng Phước Đỗ

Main Article Content

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Prolotherapy in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted at the Pain Management Unit, University Medical Center at Ho Chi Minh City, from June 2024 to June 2025. Thirty patients diagnosed with PHN for at least 3 months were treated with an injection of 10% Dextrose solution around the nerve lesion area. Evaluation indicators include the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scale, Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questions (DN4) neuropathic pain scale, sleep quality (PSQI), and satisfaction level (Likert scale) at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results: The Prolotherapy group showed a mean reduction in NRS from 7.2 ± 1.1 to 2.8 ± 1.3 after 12 weeks (p < 0.001), and DN4 decreased by an average of 3.6 points (p < 0.05). The satisfaction rate was high (>80%), and no serious complications were recorded. Conclusion: Prolotherapy is a safe and effective method and can be considered as an adjunctive or alternative treatment option for drug-resistant post-herpetic neuralgia.

Article Details

Keywords

postherpetic neuralgia, Prolotherapy, chronic neuropathic pain, peripheral nerve.

References

1. Johnson RW, Rice ASC. Clinical practice. Postherpetic neuralgia. N Engl J Med. 2014;371:1526–1533.
2. Lyftogt J. Subcutaneous prolotherapy for peripheral neuropathic pain. Pain Med. 2007;8(4):403–408.
3. Rabago D, Patterson JJ. Prolotherapy: mechanisms of action in pain management. Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord. 2017;10:1–11.
4. Hauser RA, et al. A review of prolotherapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Pain Physician. 2011;14:E379–E395.
5. Ostad M, et al. Dextrose prolotherapy for refractory postherpetic neuralgia: a pilot study. J Pain Res. 2019;12:1231–1238.
6. Yelland MJ, et al. Prolotherapy injections for chronic pain: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2009;43:471–477.
7. Kim SR, et al. Mechanisms of Dextrose-induced tissue regeneration and analgesia. Ann Rehabil Med. 2021;45(2):93–104.
8. Choi E, et al. Long-term outcomes of prolotherapy for chronic peripheral neuropathic pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2022;47:589–597.