带状疱疹后遗神经痛（Postherpetic Neuralgia, PHN）是一种常见的外周型神经病理性疼痛，其发病率高，且具有典型的自发性疼痛的特点。探讨PHN的中枢神经活动以及对疼痛的调控机制有助于认识调控PHN的主要脑区及神经元的连接（即标志性脑区及相关连接），也有利于临床对PHN的治疗有着新的研究和发展。本项目中利用先进的磁共振功能成像技术（functional Magnetic Resonance Image, fMRI），首次引入同为外周型神经病理性疼痛的腰腿痛作为对照，再综合正常人对照、病人治疗前后自身对照的研究，探讨与PHN相关的脑区和功能连接；其次，对这些特异性脑区敏感度和特异度的计算，可以进一步探讨这些脑区用以对PHN病人进行诊断及疗效评价的可能性。最后，通过因果关联分析方法，将首次探讨PHN疼痛发作及缓解时神经元信号传导的方向。

Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) is a common type of peripheral neuropathic pain. PHN has a high morbidity and typical characteristics of spontaneous pain. Exploring central mechanism of PHN has benefits on understanding the main central neurons and networks operating PHN, and also has benefits on priding more information for the development of its treatment. In our study, we will take advantage of functional Magnetic Resonance Image (fMRI), using lumbocrural pain as control for the first time, with combination with normal control and patient themselves before and after treatment, to explore the central areas related to PHN. Meanwhile, calculating the sensitivity and specificity of these areas in diagnosing PHN helps development of objective tool for PHN diagnose and therapeutic evaluation. In the end, we will also explore the directions between central neurons operating PHN onset and relieve for the first time.