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The “Three-in-One Block” for Treatment of Pain in a Patient With Acute Herpes Zoster Infection
  1. A. Hadžić, M.D.,
  2. J. D. Vloka, M.D.,
  3. G. N. Saff,
  4. R. Hertz, M.D. and
  5. D. M. Thys, M.D.
  1. Department of Anesthesiology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
  1. Reprint requests: Dr. A. Hadžić, Department of Anesthesiology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10025.

Abstract

Background and Objectives Herpes zoster infection in elderly patients frequently results in disabling pain, carries a high risk of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and can pose a significant therapeutic challenge.

Methods We describe a successful use of the perivascular technique of lumbar plexus blockade (“three-in-one block”) for treatment of pain during acute herpes zoster infection in an 82-year-old severely ill patient in whom other modalities were contraindicated.

Results Three-in-one block using 40 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine with 1:300,000 epinephrine resulted in excellent pain relief that lasted for 2 weeks.

Conclusions The perivascular technique of lumbar plexus blockade may be a useful alternative to epidural and paravertebral techniques of lumbar blockade in the occasional patient for whom these other approaches are contraindicated.

  • herpes zoster
  • pain
  • sympathetic nervous system
  • blockade
  • nerve block

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