Abstract: Objective To evaluate the efficacy of nerve block combined with oral administration drugs on postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods 40 patients were assigned into 2 groups: group A (n=20) accepted carbamazepine, doxepin, diclofenac sodium, and vitamin B compound; while group B (n=20) combined with intercostal nerve block. The pain was assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS) before, 3 weeks and 6 months after treatment. Results The scores of VAS decreased significantly after treatment compared with the baseline in groups B (P<0.01), but only 3 weeks after treatment in group A, and it decreased more in group B than in group A (P<0.01) at any time after treatment. Conclusion Nerve block combined with oral administration drugs is effective on PHN.

Key words: nerve block, postherpetic neuralgia, visual analogue scale (VAS)