Nasal Neurostimulation as an Adjunct Novel Treatment for Oculofacial Pain in Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus-Related Postherpetic Neuralgia

Neuromodulation. 2026 Apr 13:S1094-7159(26)00082-6. doi: 10.1016/j.neurom.2026.04.002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study describes the effect of nasal neurostimulation in five cases of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) after herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective case series included five symptomatic patients with PHN who were receiving conventional pain therapy and underwent a single session of nasal neurostimulation for additional oculofacial pain relief. Neurostimulation was performed either through intranasal or extranasal application. Pain intensity was assessed before and after treatment using the visual analog scale (VAS; 0-10).

RESULTS: Three patients received intranasal and two received extranasal neurostimulation therapy. Despite maximum tolerated systemic and ocular pain treatments, mean baseline oculofacial pain VAS scores ranged between 3 and 4 of 10 in the intranasal group and 2 and 3 of 10 in the extranasal group. All patients reported complete pain relief following neurostimulation. The duration of pain relief ranged from four to eight hours after a single treatment session.

CONCLUSIONS: Nasal neurostimulation may represent a promising adjuvant therapy for patients with PHN who are receiving conventional pain treatment and are seeking additional oculofacial pain relief.

PMID:42340278 | DOI:10.1016/j.neurom.2026.04.002