Shingles does not typically cause dizziness, though it is possible. Symptoms of shingles typically include a rash on one side of the body, pain or burning sensations, itching, tingling and numbness. If the virus is affecting the nerves that control balance, dizziness may be experienced.
Additionally, some people may become dizzy if they are taking shingles medication because of an allergic reaction or side effect. If you believe you are experiencing dizziness from shingles, you should contact your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
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Can the shingles virus cause vertigo?
Yes, the shingles virus can cause vertigo. Vertigo is a common symptom of the shingles virus and is caused by damage to the facial nerve. This damage can cause disturbances in the balance system, as well as dizziness, difficulty focusing, sensitivity to light, changes in hearing, and a feeling of floating or spinning.
Vertigo usually happens when the shingles virus has spread to the face but it can happen anywhere the virus is present. It is believed that vertigo can be caused by inflammation caused by the virus, which puts pressure on the facial nerve.
Treatment for vertigo caused by the shingles virus usually includes antiviral medication and pain management. In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to help with balance and coordination.
Can shingles cause balance problems?
Yes, shingles can cause balance problems. Although shingles is most commonly known for causing a blister-like rash, it can also cause other symptoms, including vertigo and balance problems. Shingles is a painful, itchy rash caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox, which is known as the varicella-zoster virus.
When a person has shingles, their immune system cannot effectively fight off the virus, which can cause inflammation and damage to the nerves responsible for balance in the inner ear. This can lead to debilitating balance problems, especially if the infected area is near the ears or eyes.
Balance problems caused by shingles can range from lightheadedness, to a feeling of being off-balance or unsteady, to vertigo or dizziness. Other signs of balance problems due to shingles include disorientation, difficulty walking and blurred vision.
If you think you may be experiencing balance problems due to shingles, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Your doctor can help diagnose your condition and provide treatment to help reduce your symptoms.
Is dizziness common with shingles?
Yes, dizziness is a common symptom of shingles. According to the Mayo Clinic, shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, known as the varicella-zoster virus. Shingles is a painful skin rash that can be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, such as fever, headache, chills, and fatigue.
Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms of shingles, along with itching and tingling sensations. In severe cases, a person with shingles may experience blurred vision, difficulty balancing, and nausea.
If you have been diagnosed with shingles and are experiencing dizziness, it is important to talk to your doctor right away so they can properly diagnose and treat your symptoms.
Can shingles cause long term dizziness?
Yes, shingles can cause long term dizziness. This is due to the virus that causes shingles, the varicella-zoster virus, damaging the nerves in the body. This can cause the symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia, which can last for several months or even years after the shingles rash has cleared up.
Additionally, if the virus affects the inner ear, it can cause vertigo or chronic dizziness. People with shingles should seek medical help such as antiviral drugs to treat the infection and reduce their symptoms.
Treatment may also involve painkillers, antidepressants, and injections for pain relief. People with severe dizziness should also seek medical advice for more specialized treatments. In some cases, acupuncture and vestibular rehabilitation therapy have been found to help with dizziness caused by shingles.
What are the final symptoms of shingles?
The final symptoms of shingles can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms are pain and itching, as well as redness, and a rash that commonly appears on one side of the face or body.
This rash is usually made up of small blisters that scab over and eventually heal.
The pain associated with shingles can range from mild to quite severe and can last for months, even after the rash has gone away. The itching can be up to twice as intense as the pain and can cause difficulty sleeping and scratching the rash, which can lead to infection.
In some cases, the person may experience fever and headache as well. In very severe cases, shingles can lead to complications including long-term nerve damage, vision loss, and even pneumonia. Although rare, some people can develop meningitis, or swelling of the brain and spinal cord membranes, with shingles.
It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you may have shingles, as early diagnosis and treatment can help to minimize discomfort and decrease the risk of any serious complications.
What are the long term effects of internal shingles?
The long term effects of internal shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) can vary depending on the severity of the initial outbreak, as well as how early and effectively it was treated. In some cases, shingles can cause persistent nerve pain and ongoing chronic pain that lasts for months or even years.
Additionally, internal shingles may resulted in skin infection, temporary paralysis, scarring, changes in skin color and texture, and the sensation of burning, tingling, aching, or numbness.
There is also a risk of developing more serious medical conditions after having internal shingle. Specifically, people who have had internal shingles may be at an increased risk of developing a stroke or heart attack.
Additionally, since the virus affects nerve endings and tissue, some long-term effects of internal shingles can include an increased sensitivity to touch or stimulation (known as allodynia), problems with bladder or bowel control, and difficulty speaking or understanding language.
In addition to the physical effects of postherpetic neuralgia, it’s worth mentioning that the emotional effects might be even more long-lasting. Because of their chronic pain, people with internal shingles can become depressed, experience problems with their relationships, and/or feel isolated from their peers.
It’s important to remember that there are treatments available that can help to manage the symptoms and reduce the duration of an outbreak. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor about ways to prevent additional outbreaks of shingles.
What neurological problems can shingles cause?
Shingles can cause a range of neurological problems, including:
• Postherpetic Neuralgia: One of the most common neurological problems associated with shingles is postherpetic neuralgia, a severe and lingering pain that may last months or even years after a shingles episode.
This type of nerve pain can be debilitating and adversely affect a person’s quality of life.
• Acute Retinal Necrosis: Acute retinal necrosis, a condition where the retina is damaged or destroyed, can also be caused by shingles, leading to decreased and blurred vision.
• Meningitis: While very rare, shingles can also cause a form of meningitis, a potentially serious infection of the tissues that protect the brain and spinal cord.
• Encephalitis: Encephalitis is a rare inflammation of the brain caused by shingles, causing confusion, memory loss, and other emotional or mental problems.
• Prosthesis Retinae: Shingles can also cause a condition called prosthesis retinae, which happens when the eye’s retina is damaged and can lead to permanent vision loss.
In addition to these neurological problems, shingles can also cause other complications such as hearing loss, facial paralysis, and lymph node damage. If a person suspects they may have shingles, they should seek medical advice as soon as possible to reduce the risk of any of these complications.
Can shingles make you feel weird?
Yes, shingles can make you feel weird. The virus that causes shingles, known as varicella zoster, can cause a variety of symptoms including itching, burning, pain, and a rash. People with shingles can also experience fatigue, headache, fever, sensitivity to light, and tingling or numbness.
These symptoms can result in an overall sense of feeling unwell or feeling “weird. ” It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the above symptoms in order to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
Does shingles make you feel generally unwell?
Yes, shingles can make you feel generally unwell. Those who experience shingles may experience a range of symptoms, which can include fatigue, headaches, fever, and body aches. In addition, the rash associated with shingles can be quite painful, and can be accompanied by sharp, burning, or tingling sensations along the affected area.
Additionally, some people with shingles may experience a decrease in appetite or may feel nauseous, making them generally unwell. These effects can last for several weeks or even months, so it’s important to get medical attention right away if you are exhibiting symptoms of shingles.
Your healthcare provider may be able to provide treatments to reduce the severity of symptoms you may be experiencing.
How long do you feel unwell with shingles?
It depends on the individual and the severity of the case. Generally, shingles can last anywhere from two to six weeks. The primary symptom, a rash with blisters, will usually last one to two weeks, and can cause discomfort, burning, or tingling during this time.
The other symptoms, such as fever, headache, and fatigue, will typically last for a few days or up to two weeks. After the rash has cleared up, some people may experience post-herpetic neuralgia, a lingering pain that can last for months or even years.
It is also possible for the virus to reactivate later on. In order to reduce the duration of symptoms it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Should you rest with shingles?
Yes, it is important to rest when you have shingles. Rest helps your body use its energy to fight off the virus and decreases the discomfort of the rash. In addition, rest can promote healing of the skin lesions caused by the virus.
Try to limit activities and take short naps throughout the day. Let your body determine when it needs a break, and never try to push yourself too far. It is recommended that you rest for 7-10 days. Being active for too long can lead to an increase in symptoms and can even cause shingles to spread to other parts of your body.
If you have any questions about when to rest, it is best to consult with your doctor.
How do you know if you have internal shingles?
If you have internal shingles, you may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and chills. You may also experience pain in your muscles and joints. This pain usually lasts for several days, although the intensity may vary from person to person.
Other common symptoms of internal shingles include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible, as untreated internal shingles can lead to serious complications.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend an antiviral medication to help treat the infection and reduce symptoms. Additionally, they may advise you to take steps to rest and reduce stress to speed up your recovery.
What not to do when you have shingles?
If you have been diagnosed with shingles, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take any prescribed medications to reduce pain and speed recovery. It is also important to take steps to reduce your risk of further complications.
Things you should not do when you have shingles include:
1. Avoid sharing clothing, towels, and linens with others as this can spread the virus.
2. Refrain from scratching or picking at the rash or blisters. This can worsen the rash and cause skin infections.
3. Avoid any lotions, creams, or ointments that contain alcohol or fragrances, as this can irritate your skin.
4. Avoid activities that can make the rash worse, such as sunbathing or going in a hot tub.
5. Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, or other public bodies of water.
6. Avoid touching the sores or rash directly.
7. Do not wear tight, synthetic clothing as this can irritate the skin.
8. Avoid close contact with anyone who has not had chicken pox, as they may not be immune to chicken pox and may catch it when they come in contact with your rash.
Finally, it is important to get plenty of rest and to stay hydrated. Eating a healthy diet and managing stress levels can also aid the recovery process and help to reduce the risk of further complications.
