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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Re: Herpes Zoster causing Nerve Damage?
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Re: Herpes Zoster causing Nerve Damage?
by Mithranda, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By Mithranda on June 24, 1998 at 15:09:03:
In Reply to: Re: Herpes Zoster causing Nerve Damage? posted by ccf neuro M.D.* on June 19, 1998 at 20:50:16:
I attempted to look up Tietze's syndrome on the Web, but did not find much. What confuses me the most is that every doctor I talk to tells me the last doctor I saw was wrong. The frustration of all this is becoming a serious depression problem. Why can't 2 doctors ever agree on anything?
Where can I find out more about Tietze's Syndrome? Please do not refer to a physician. I have lost faith in them, and am attempting to treat myself. Even if I die, at least I won't have a doctor to blame.
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Hello Mithranda!!
Herpes (Varicella) zoster can certainly infect nerve roots and when it does typically causes shingles. To produce such chronic, slowly evolving pain over years would be unusual. If one is actively, symptomatically infected with herpes zoster, treatment with an antiviral agent is usually instituted (such as acyclovir/Valtrex). Note that this is different than a blood test showing that you had previously at some point in your life had the infection, which is what I believe you are describing. The most likely neurological cause of pain of the type you describe would be from damage to the thoraccic spinal nerve roots, most frequently caused by diabetes. There is another syndrome that affects young women known as Tietze's syndrome, a form of extremely painful costochondritis (inflammation of the area where the rib bone joins the rib cartilage), and can definitely be severe enough to interfere with deep breathing. Antiiflammatory drugs and especially a drug called indomethacin can alleviate this otherwise bothersome condition. Steroid injections can alleviate inflammation to nerve roots, and if properly administered, the amount of corticosteroid absorbed into the circulation should be minimal--- much less than with pills. But if I had experienced what you did last time you tried them, I would avoiding them like the plague too. If you have not had an EMG to see of there is ongoing, active damage to your thoraccic spinal nerve roots, this may be a helpful diagnostic test, as would a thorough evaluation by a neurologist, to see if there is any other evidence of nervous system disease or damage. If you are interested in being evaluated by a Cleveland Clinic staff neurologist, our number is 1-800-223-2273/extension 45559. Any of our neurologists could provide you with a thorough evaluation of such a problem. Please remember that information provided on the forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only, and that the actual diagnosis and treatment of your specific medical condition should be strictly in conjunction with your treating physician(s). We hope you find the information helpful.
In Reply to: Re: Herpes Zoster causing Nerve Damage? posted by ccf neuro M.D.* on June 19, 1998 at 20:50:16:
I attempted to look up Tietze's syndrome on the Web, but did not find much. What confuses me the most is that every doctor I talk to tells me the last doctor I saw was wrong. The frustration of all this is becoming a serious depression problem. Why can't 2 doctors ever agree on anything?
Where can I find out more about Tietze's Syndrome? Please do not refer to a physician. I have lost faith in them, and am attempting to treat myself. Even if I die, at least I won't have a doctor to blame.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Mithranda!!
Herpes (Varicella) zoster can certainly infect nerve roots and when it does typically causes shingles. To produce such chronic, slowly evolving pain over years would be unusual. If one is actively, symptomatically infected with herpes zoster, treatment with an antiviral agent is usually instituted (such as acyclovir/Valtrex). Note that this is different than a blood test showing that you had previously at some point in your life had the infection, which is what I believe you are describing. The most likely neurological cause of pain of the type you describe would be from damage to the thoraccic spinal nerve roots, most frequently caused by diabetes. There is another syndrome that affects young women known as Tietze's syndrome, a form of extremely painful costochondritis (inflammation of the area where the rib bone joins the rib cartilage), and can definitely be severe enough to interfere with deep breathing. Antiiflammatory drugs and especially a drug called indomethacin can alleviate this otherwise bothersome condition. Steroid injections can alleviate inflammation to nerve roots, and if properly administered, the amount of corticosteroid absorbed into the circulation should be minimal--- much less than with pills. But if I had experienced what you did last time you tried them, I would avoiding them like the plague too. If you have not had an EMG to see of there is ongoing, active damage to your thoraccic spinal nerve roots, this may be a helpful diagnostic test, as would a thorough evaluation by a neurologist, to see if there is any other evidence of nervous system disease or damage. If you are interested in being evaluated by a Cleveland Clinic staff neurologist, our number is 1-800-223-2273/extension 45559. Any of our neurologists could provide you with a thorough evaluation of such a problem. Please remember that information provided on the forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only, and that the actual diagnosis and treatment of your specific medical condition should be strictly in conjunction with your treating physician(s). We hope you find the information helpful.
