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NCT Number: NCT07400640

Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Transcutaneous Radiofrequency in Postherpetic Neuralgia

This observational study aims to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block and transcutaneous radiofrequency (RF) treatment in patients with postherpetic neuralgia. Pain intensity and neuropathic pain characteristics will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Self-Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) score.

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Key information

Conditions

Postherpetic Neuralgia DNA Virus Infections Herpes Zoster Herpesviridae Infections Infections Nervous System Diseases Neuralgia Neuralgia, Postherpetic Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Diseases Neuropathic Pain Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Signs and Symptoms Varicella Zoster Virus Infection Virus Diseases

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Ayse Betul Acar

Ankara, 06500, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Gevher Rabia Genç Perdecioğlu

CONTACT

[email protected]

5332009184

About this study

Postherpetic neuralgia is a challenging neuropathic pain condition that significantly affects quality of life. In routine clinical practice, patients are treated with either ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block or transcutaneous radiofrequency therapy based on clinician preference and experience.

This observational study includes patients who have already completed one of these treatments as part of standard care in the Algology Clinic. No randomization or modification of treatment plans was performed for research purposes. Patients will be divided into two cohorts according to the treatment they received. Treatment outcomes will be retrospectively evaluated and compared using VAS and S-LANSS scores before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at 1-month follow-up.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia involving cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions

Age between 18 and 80 years

Persistent pain despite conservative treatment

Baseline VAS score > 5

Exclusion criteria

Ophthalmic or extremity postherpetic neuralgia

Allergy to local anesthetics

Pregnancy

Coagulopathy or use of antiplatelet therapy

Cognitive impairment preventing informed consent

Treatment and study plan

Erector Spinae Plane Block

Procedure
  • Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block performed under sterile conditions as part of routine clinical care. After skin antisepsis, a 22-G spinal needle was advanced to the erector spinae plane at the level corresponding to the affected dermatome, and a total volume of 10 mL consisting of dexamethasone, bupivacaine, and normal saline was injected. Patients were observed post-procedure according to standard clinical practice.
  • Transcutaneous radiofrequency treatment applied adjacent to the affected dermatome as part of routine clinical care. Adhesive surface electrodes were placed over the painful area, and pulsed electrical stimulation was delivered by the device for 10 minutes per session. The procedure was performed once weekly for two sessions, without any modification for research purposes.

Other names: Transcutaneous Radiofrequency

Primary outcomes

  1. VAS

    Time frame: Baseline, post-procedure 1 month

    Pain intensity assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS): is a simple tool used in clinical trials to measure pain intensity. Patients rate their pain on a scale, typically from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). It provides a quick, quantitative assessment of subjective pain and is commonly used to evaluate treatment effectiveness before and after intervention.

Secondary outcomes

  1. S-LANSS

    Time frame: Baseline, post-procedure 1 month

    Neuropathic pain characteristics were assessed using the Self-report Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) questionnaire. The S-LANSS is a validated self-administered screening tool consisting of seven items evaluating pain quality and sensory abnormalities, including burning sensation, electric shock-like pain, dysesthesia, and altered skin sensitivity. Total scores range from 0 to 24, with scores ≥12 indicating a probable neuropathic pain component. The questionnaire has demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity for identifying neuropathic pain in both clinical and research settings.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

AYSE BETUL ACAR

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905326685180

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Which Is More Effective in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia: Erector Spinae Plane Block or Transcutaneous Radiofrequency?

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 10, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 25, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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