Stellate Ganglion Block for Debilitating Photophobia Secondary to Trigeminal, Postherpetic Neuralgia.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this case report was to demonstrate the therapeutic benefit of stellate ganglion block in trigeminal postherpetic neuralgia.

METHODS

This was a case report on a single patient who presented with debilitating photophobia secondary to left-sided trigeminal postherpetic neuralgia. A left-sided stellate ganglion block was performed on the patient under fluoroscopic guidance. The primary endpoints were VAS pain scores and changes in functional capacity.

RESULTS

The patient demonstrated significant reduction in her VAS pain score and improved functional capacity for approximately 6 months after the intervention. This case report provides evidence that sympathectomy via a stellate ganglion block can treat photophobia secondary to postherpetic neuralgia in the V1 distribution.