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Postherpetic Neuralgia of the Face: One Patient’s Journey From Silent Suffering to Relief
- Feb 11
- 2 min read
For many patients, shingles doesn’t end when the rash fades. Instead, it leaves behind postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) — a chronic nerve pain condition that can be debilitating, especially when it affects the face.
For Janelle that pain became a daily reality.
“I Was Hurting When I Went In — and Hurting When I Left”
Like countless patients with facial postherpetic neuralgia, Janelle was prescribed medications and told there was little else that could be done. Appointment after appointment ended the same way — pain in, pain out.
Eventually, she stopped explaining how bad it was.
“You just get tired of telling everybody and you suffer in silence.”
When Medication Isn’t Enough for Facial PHN
Postherpetic neuralgia of the face often involves branches of the trigeminal nerve, making everyday activities — talking, eating, even light touch — painful.
While medications may help some patients, many experience:
Inadequate pain control
Side effects
Diminishing effectiveness over time
That’s when patients begin searching for alternatives.
Finding Hope With Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Janelle’s search led her to Dr. Demetrio Aguila, a nationally recognized specialist in treating complex nerve pain, including facial postherpetic neuralgia.
At Total Pain Solutions, Dr. Aguila evaluates whether specific peripheral nerves affected by shingles can be surgically addressed to reduce or eliminate pain.
For Janelle, this approach changed everything.
“Wonderful Doctor. Wonderful Staff. A Great Solution.”
After surgery, Janelle experienced meaningful relief — something she once believed might never happen.
Her story reflects what many patients discover: there may be options beyond lifelong medication for postherpetic neuralgia of the face.
Living With Facial Shingles Pain? There May Be Answers
If you or someone you love is struggling with chronic facial pain after shingles, it’s important to know that not all nerve pain is the same — and not all treatments are either.
Specialized evaluation by a pain-focused peripheral nerve surgeon may help determine whether surgery is an option.
🔗 Learn more at totalpainsolutions.com
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