Abstract:Objective: To compare the efficacy of intrathecal injection, nerve ozone injection , ozone injection around gasserian ganglion and combined with CB guided pulsed radiofrequency in the treatment of facial postherpetic neuralgia. Methods: Collected the information of patients who suffered from herpes zoster-related neuropathic pain in the head and face from 2016 to 2022, then divided into intrathecal injection group of 35 patients, nerve ozone injection group of 26 patients, ozone injection with gasserian ganglion group of 35 patients and radiofrequency group of 12 patients according to the procedure. The patients were followed up for one week, three months and six months after therapy. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain score and Pittsburgh sleep quality index were used to evaluate pain and sleep quality. Results: The VAS, BNI, and PSQI scores in the four groups were significantly lower than pre-treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with the intrathecal injection, nerve ozone injection and ozone injection with gasserian ganglion groups, the VAS, BNI and PSQI scores of CB guide the radiofrequency group was lower at 6 months (P < 0.05). Similarly, the tactile sensation was also significantly decreased at post-treatment when compared to pre-treatment. However, there were no statistical differences between the four groups. Conclusion: Intrathecal injection, nerve ozone injection, ozone injection around gasserian ganglion and combined with pulsed radiofrequency are effective therapies for the treatment of head and facial PHN which can significantly reduce the pain and improve the quality of sleep. In addition, treatment effects and overall effectiveness rates tend to be higher for the combination of PRF and ozone than for ozone alone. This conclusion is especially true for long-term therapeutic effects
