Herpes zoster complications and long-term consequences: Inflammation of the brain is possible

Created: 06/24/2022, 08:00

By: Natalie Hull Drawbar

Shingles or the varicella-zoster virus can affect the brain and cause inflammation (encephalitis).

(Iconic image) © Science Photo Library/Imago

The "shingles" caused by the chickenpox virus does not only affect the skin in the belt area.

Even brain infections are possible.

Munich – Shingles as a result of a chickenpox infection has come to the fore again, not least because of Corona.

According to a new study, an infection with the Covid 19 virus increases the risk of developing shingles to over 15 percent.

It is true that the disease, which is caused by the varicella zoster virus, is often mistakenly associated with people aged 50 and over.

But since Corona has been shown to be linked to an outbreak of shingles, it can also affect younger people - ultimately anyone who had previously contracted chickenpox because they were not vaccinated.

You can find out at 24vita.de which brain complications can be associated with shingles.

medical doctor Dr.

medical

Michael A. Everywhere, President of the German Pain League e.

V., explains in an interview with 24vita.de: "The most common complication of acute shingles is definitely pain - almost everyone affected reports it.

In extreme cases, if the person concerned already has an immune deficiency, life-threatening spread of the virus via the blood circulation and infestation of the entire nervous system is possible.” And this can affect young people as well as older people.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.