Heterogenous Patterns of Sensory Dysfunction in Postherpetic Neuralgia Suggest Multiple Pathophysiologic Mechanisms

Abstract

Despite a common cause, the patterns of sensory abnormalities differ between subjects. Particular differences were noted between groups with facial or truncal PHN and between groups with recent or more chronic PHN. The observations suggest that the relative contributions of peripheral and central mechanisms to the pathophysiology of pain differ among subjects and may vary over the course of PHN.