2023 Volume 30 Issue 8 Pages 194-197
We report a case of herpes zoster-associated pain in the third branch of the trigeminal nerve caused by Ramsay Hunt syndrome that was successfully treated with pulsed radiofrequency to the Gasser ganglion. A 51-year-old man was diagnosed as having herpes zoster in the third branch of the trigeminal nerve. He had right facial paralysis and dysgeusia from onset, and was diagnosed as having Ramsay Hunt syndrome. After undergoing ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block and mental nerve block, his pain level was reduced by half but remained, and discomfort and pain in the right inner ear and dysgeusia persisted. Seven days subsequently, Gasserian ganglion block was performed, and his facial paralysis, discomfort and pain in the right inner ear, and dysgeusia owing to Ramsay Hunt syndrome were improved. Our case indicates that Gasserian ganglion block is effective for patients with herpes zoster-associated pain extending over multiple nerve areas of the face, which is refractory to medical treatment and peripheral nerve blockade.
