Anatomy & Histology · patient case question
The patient is later diagnosed with postherpetic neuralgia. Which medication is appropriate?
Patient case: Unilateral Facial Weakness
demo: 49-year-old male
chief: “I woke up and the right side of my face was drooping.”
history: Recent upper respiratory infection. No prior neurologic events.
meds: None
findings: Drooping of the right corner of the mouth with inability to purse the lips or retain fluid. Forehead wrinkling and eye closure are preserved on the affected side. No sensory deficit. Nerve pathway illustrated below.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Gabapentin
- A. Antibiotics have no role in a neuropathic pain syndrome of viral origin.
- B. Nystatin is an antifungal with no analgesic action.
- C. Correct. Gabapentin and pregabalin are first-line for neuropathic pain, including postherpetic neuralgia following herpes zoster involvement of the geniculate ganglion.
- D. Metronidazole treats anaerobic and protozoal infection and is irrelevant here.
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