Comparison between epidural block and paravertebral block in treatment of postherpetic neuralgia

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and the safety of epidural block and paravertebral block in treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.Methods 60 patients with postherpetic neuralgia were randomly divided into two groups,including Paravertebral block Group(Group P,30 cases) and epidural block(Group E,30 cases).The variation about VAS(visual analogue scale),incidence rate of post neuralgia and complications were observed.Results There was no significant differences between Group P and Group E in treatment efficacy and incidence of post neuralgia.The incidence of complications of Group P was lower than that of Group E.Conclusions In terms of the treatment efficacy,there is no significant differences between epidural block and paravertebral block in treatment of postherpetic neuralgia,but the former is more safe than the later.