Erector spinae plane block versus transcutaneous radiofrequency for postherpetic neuralgia
Official title: Which Is More Effective in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia: Erector Spinae Plane Block or Transcutaneous Radiofrequency?
Run by Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital · NCT07400640 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will see if erector spinae plane block or transcutaneous radiofrequency works better to reduce pain in adults with postherpetic neuralgia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07400640 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–80 with postherpetic neuralgia in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions who had persistent pain despite conservative treatment and a baseline VAS score greater than 5 are the ideal candidates represented in this analysis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with ophthalmic or extremity postherpetic neuralgia, those who were pregnant, had coagulopathy or antiplatelet therapy, allergy to local anesthetics, or cognitive impairment preventing consent would not be represented and may not benefit from these results.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a retrospective observational comparison of two commonly used treatments for postherpetic neuralgia performed at a single algology clinic. Patients who previously received either ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block or transcutaneous radiofrequency (RF) as part of routine care are grouped by the treatment they received. Pain intensity and neuropathic pain features will be compared using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and S-LANSS scores recorded before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at one-month follow-up. No randomization or changes to clinical care were made for the purposes of this analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians choose the treatment more likely to give better short-term pain relief and reduce neuropathic symptoms for patients with postherpetic neuralgia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous case series and small trials report pain relief with both ESP block and transcutaneous RF for neuropathic pain, but direct head-to-head comparative data are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
-
Ayse Betul Acar
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ayse Betul Acar — Diskapi TRH
- Study coordinator: Ayse Betul Acar
- Email: betulbozann@gmail.com
- Phone: +905326685180
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.