What happens if shingles spreads to 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).

Can internal shingles cause death?

For adults who are otherwise fairly healthy, shingles is not life threatening, though it can be quite uncomfortable. However, when left untreated, shingles may cause complications. For certain people — such as those over the age of 65 or whose immune systems are compromised — these complications could lead to death.

Can you have a baby after having shingles?

Outlook. The odds of you developing shingles while pregnant are low. Even if you do develop it, shingles is unlikely to affect your baby. It may make your pregnancy more difficult for you because of the pain and discomfort involved.

What does it mean when shingles is disseminated?

Disseminated herpes zoster is usually defined as a generalized eruption of more than 10-12 extradermatomal vesicles occurring 7-14 days after the onset of classic dermatomal herpes zoster. Typically, it is clinically indistinguishable from varicella (chickenpox).

How do you know if shingles are in your brain?

Shingles of the brain is called herpes zoster encephalitis. It is a rare but serious complication. Besides the shingles rash, other symptoms start quickly. They include headaches, vomiting, fever and confusion.

Can shingles cause neurological problems?

Shingles in or around an eye (ophthalmic shingles) can cause painful eye infections that may result in vision loss. Neurological problems. Depending on which nerves are affected, shingles can cause an inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), facial paralysis, or hearing or balance problems.

Is there a cure for internal shingles?

A Word From Verywell The good news is that treatment options are available, with antiviral drugs such as Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Zovirax (acyclovir) leading the charge in taking on internal shingles. 2 In addition, vaccines for the varicella virus are available and work quite well in preventing onset.

Can shingles cause birth defects?

Shingles, too, could potentially cause problems for your baby, but most experts agree the risk is less than with chickenpox. In one large study, there was no evidence of fetal harm in pregnant women who developed shingles.

How many times can you get shingles?

The virus can reactivate later, causing shingles. Most people who develop shingles have only one episode during their lifetime. However, you can have shingles more than once.

Can shingles ever cross the midline?

A typical shingles eruption never crosses the midline of the body and occurs only on one side: right or left. Extremely rare cases of shingles may become diffuse and spread to the entire body in patients with very compromised immune systems.

Why is it important that shingles does not cross the midline?

This is because each nerve runs from one side of the spine in the back to the middle of the front of the body and does not cross this midline. This is important when considering the rash of shingles. The rash will occur in a dermatome and will not cross the midline of the body either in the front or the back.