10 Shingles Symptoms

By dr. mera

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Shingles (Herpes Zoster). National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/clinical-overview.html
• 2. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (HIS). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition (ICHD-3) – www.ichd-3.org

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Shingles is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When a person becomes infected with VZV for the first time, it causes chickenpox. After the patient recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerves of the individual. The virus can remain hidden for years and even decades without causing any symptoms whatsoever, until the person’s Immune system becomes impaired, and the virus reactivates causing the condition known as herpes zoster or shingles.

Over a million cases of shingles occur each year in the US. ¹Shingles (Herpes Zoster). National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/clinical-overview.html Any person with a history of chickenpox or varicella immunizations can develop shingles, but people with a compromised immune system have a higher risk. Even though cancer patients and people with HIV have a greater risk, the elderly are also quite susceptible to this disease.

1. Headache

A headache is described as the sensation of pain in any region of our head. It is a non-specific symptom associated with many conditions. Depending on the characteristics and nature of the headache, they can be classified into primary headaches (migraines and tension-type headaches to name a few), secondary headaches (traumatic, vascular, and substance-related headaches to name a few), and a third category reserved for neuropathies and other headaches. ²Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (HIS). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition (ICHD-3) – www.ichd-3.org

During the first stage of the disease, patients tend to experience vague symptoms like fever, malaise, and headaches. These symptoms occur just before the characteristic rash appears and usually don’t last very long. Depending on the affected nerve, some patients may experience severe headaches.