Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster, commonly called shingles, is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Only people who have had chicken pox can get shingles.
After a patient recovers from the chicken pox, the virus remains inactive in the body. Shingles develops when the virus become active again. People over the age of 50, or those with weakened immune systems due to diseases such as HIV or cancer, are at the highest risk for developing shingles.
Shingles usually appears as a painful rash, typically on only one side of the body. The rash generally lasts from one to fourteen days. However, some patients with shingles may develop postherpetic neuralgia, a condition in which the pain from shingles continues months or years after the rash has faded.
Symptoms & Signs
(Not all symptoms and signs may be present.)
There may not be specific symptoms, but the most likely symptoms include:
- Itchy skin
- Pain on the skin
- Rash or blisters on one side of the body, usually in a belt-like pattern
Evaluation & Tests
(Not all evaluation and tests may be necessary.)
- Neurological exam
- Electromyography
- Nerve conduction velocity test
- Opthalmological evaluation if the eye is involved
Treatment & Therapy
(Not all treatments and therapies may be indicated.)
- Anticonvulsants (Neurontin®)
- Antidepressants
- Antiviral medications
- Nerve block
- Opioid medication
- Corticosteroids
- Take safety measures to compensate for loss of sensation
Did You Know?
FPN Advocates for Research
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy continues to advocate heavily for more research funding from the U.S. government.
In 2021, peripheral neuropathy was finally included as an eligible condition to receive research funding. This milestone is significant to bring more awareness to this condition and will undoubtedly promote more research in the field..