Postherpetic Neuralgia

The natural course of PHN shows spontaneous remission in about 20–30% of cases within three months of onset and in about 50% within one year. However, the prognosis varies significantly depending on age, rash severity, initial pain intensity, and whether the trigeminal nerve is involved. In elderly patients over 70 years of age, the rate of persistence lasting more than three years reaches 30–40%. There is evidence that receiving sufficient antiviral medication early and maintaining good pain control reduces the transition rate and duration of PHN. As the condition becomes chronic, central sensitization intensifies, leading to a reduced response to treatment; therefore, early integrated treatment is recommended. Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective

In assessing the prognosis in Korean medicine, the key factors are the degree of remaining heat and toxins, as well as the robustness of the body's vital energy. The deeper and longer-standing the blood stagnation, the more the blockage of Qi and blood circulation in the meridians hardens, requiring a longer treatment period. At Dongjedang, we rapidly resolve and disperse remaining inflammation and toxins during the initial treatment phase, and during the recovery period, we optimize the environment for nerve recovery by replenishing vital energy with herbal medicine tailored to your constitution. We assess the state of blood stagnation and inflammation at the time of your first visit and guide you through a step-by-step treatment roadmap.