Typically, it runs its course and stays dormant in nerve tissue, which can get reactivated in elderly, immunocompromised patients. Frequently, reactivation results in the painful dermatomal rash of herpes zoster, but in sporadic cases, it can cause meningitis or encephalitis in the immunocompromised population.
What viruses can cause meningitis?
Mumps virus. Herpesviruses, including Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex viruses, and varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and shingles) Measles virus. Influenza virus. Arboviruses, such as West Nile virus. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.
Can shingles cause an infection in the brain?
In rare cases, shingles can spread into the brain or spinal cord and cause serious complications such as stroke or meningitis (an infection of the membranes outside the brain and spinal cord). VZV also may involve blood vessels or provoke an immune reaction irritating the surface of blood vessels (vasculopathy).
How do you know if shingles has spread to the brain?
Neurological Issues. Like with hearing and vision loss, if shingles spread far enough, it can affect the brain nerves causing brain inflammation. This can result in neurological problems and cause an individual to have balance issues, loss of feeling throughout the body, loss of muscle strength, memory loss, and more.
Can you get meningitis after having shingles Related Questions
How common is meningitis with shingles?
In a review of 859 patients with varicella-zoster infection, meningitis was reported in only 0.5% within 60 days of diagnosis. Therefore, this seemingly immunocompetent patient with disseminated varicella-zoster producing aseptic meningitis and cutaneous manifestations is a rare case finding.
What diseases are triggered by shingles?
Shingles may cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), facial paralysis, or problems with hearing or balance. Skin infections. If shingles blisters aren’t properly treated, bacterial skin infections may develop.
What are 5 symptoms of meningitis?
a high temperature (fever) being sick. a headache. a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop) a stiff neck. a dislike of bright lights. drowsiness or unresponsiveness. seizures (fits)
What are the 5 causes of meningitis?
Bacterial Meningitis. Meningitis caused by bacteria can be deadly and requires immediate medical attention. Viral Meningitis. Fungal Meningitis. Parasitic Meningitis. Amebic Meningitis. Non-Infectious Meningitis.
What are three causes of meningitis?
meningococcal bacteria – there are several different types, called A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z. pneumococcal bacteria. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. enteroviruses – viruses that usually only cause a mild stomach infection. the mumps virus.
Can shingles lead to other problems?
Shingles can sometimes lead to complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia. This is where severe nerve pain lasts for several months or more after the rash has gone. Complications such as this are usually in elderly people who have had the condition and those with a weakened immune system.
What neurological disorder is caused by shingles?
Postherpetic neuralgia is an intense pain that lingers after the rashes heal. This condition occurs in about 18 percent of people with shingles. Postherpetic neuralgia disappears within a year, but some never recover.
How serious is shingles in the head?
Shingles can be a severe condition and, left untreated, can cause long-term damage. So, if you are experiencing any symptoms of shingles on the scalp, you should see a doctor immediately.
What is the most common complication following shingles?
The most common complication of shingles is long-term nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
How do you treat shingles in the brain?
If they confirm herpes zoster-associated encephalitis, medical professionals may prescribe the following treatment: IV acyclovir– acyclovir is an antiviral medication that works by stopping the replication and spreading of the varicella-zoster virus. The medication works faster when administered intravenously.
How can you tell if you have shingles internally?
Because the condition’s characteristic rash is not apparent in internal shingles, doctors rely on testing to confirm the presence of the virus. If your doctor suspects you have internal shingles, they’ll use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) saliva test to check for the presence of viral DNA.
How quickly does meningitis develop?
Typically, symptoms of bacterial meningitis develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure; note, this is not true for TB meningitis, which can develop much later after exposure to the bacteria. People with bacterial meningitis can have seizures, go into a coma, and even die.
Who gets meningitis the most?
Although meningitis affects all ages, young children are most at risk. Newborn babies are at most risk from Group B streptococcus, young children are at higher risk from meningococcus, pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae.
Where is the headache for meningitis?
The symptoms of both viral and bacterial meningitis are similar. Usually headache is the predominant symptom, but fever is also usually present and the neck is stiff. Bending the neck forward greatly aggravates the pain. The headache is generalized all over the head.
How long does it take for your immune system to recover after shingles?
Typically, it takes 3–5 weeks for people to recover and the rash to fully clear. It is more common in older adults and people with weak or suppressed immune systems. While shingles does not have a cure, treatments are available to prevent complications, ease pain, and speed up recovery.
What not to do when you have shingles?
To allow your rash to heal quickly, avoid wearing tight clothes, eating unhealthy foods, or scratching the rash. Try to stay at home until the rash scabs over. Otherwise, you may pass on the shingles virus to another person. Speak to your doctor as soon as you experience the first shingles symptoms.