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Description

Herpes zoster (shingles) results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus from the dorsal root ganglion, which can result in severe and debilitating pain. It is recommended for providers to implement a multimodal pain control regimen while limiting opiates, given the known deleterious side effects, including addiction potential, delirium, and respiratory depression. One such method is regional anesthesia. A recent ACEP policy states that ultrasound-guided nerve blocks (USGNBs) are not only within the scope of practice for emergency medicine physicians (EPs), but also are a "core component" of multimodal pain control. We present a case of an 81-year-old patient with severe acute herpetic neuralgia refractory to conventional measures, who experienced significant pain relief from an erector spinae plane block (ESPB) without requiring opiate medications.

Publication Date

5-9-2025

Disciplines

Emergency Medicine

Comments

2025 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 9, 2025. Abstract 1731

Erector Spinae Plane Block for Refractory Shingles Pain

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