293 Comparing the Efficacy of Spinal Cord Stimulation and Trigeminal Semilunar Ganglion Stimulation for Postherpetic Neuralgia

INTRODUCTION: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) after herpes zoster is a debilitating complication that severely affects the quality of life of patients. Neuromodulation such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and trigeminal semilunar ganglion stimulation (TSGS) have become effective methods for treating postherpetic neuralgia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 30 patients with postherpetic neuralgia who underwent SCS or TSGS treatment from January 2022 to January 2024. Patients received conventional treatment before neuromodulation. Clinical data including patient age, gender, pain characteristics, treatment outcomes were collected. The efficacy was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Modified Global Impression of Change scale. Optimal stimulation parameters were also analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed that postoperative pain was significantly reduced in both SCS and TSGS groups, with a higher satisfaction rate in the SCS group (89% vs. 77%). Patients with facial PHN treated with TSGS experienced shorter pain recurrence times. The optimal stimulation parameters for the two treatments were also different. Compared to SCS, TSGS required a higher frequency but lower pulse width and voltage. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that neuromodulation may be an effective treatment for PHN, but the subtle differences between SCS and TSGS support a more personalized treatment approach.