numbness and herpes zoster

[JDWil]

28 yr old male
I'm currently suffering from a 3 day nerve pain under the deltoid on my left arm, it occurs with certain neck movements.  I thought it was the way I slept, but yesterday a short-lived fever blister popped up on my lip.  This made me think maybe I had a herpes infection in a nerve causing the arm pain.

About a year ago I awoke finding my lips numb (similar to palsy i guess) that lasted 3 days, and afterwards a similar fever blister popped up.

I also had an unexplained seizure (1st ever) earlier this year.  Which now I wonder if was herpes related.

Im starting to see a pattern, but since its a virus, am i correct saying that there is nothing that can be done?  What kind of tests or meds can help me?

Thanks and if there are any questions or info i have left out, please ask.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

You have done a good research on the topic. And your concern is apt.

I would recommend you to consult a neurologist. Even if there is no active treatment for the virus, we can take some medicines to control its symptoms.

You may consider nerve conduction studies for the neuropathy.

Regards

[Spring-02]

IMO there may be a connection between Herpes Zoster and neurological symptoms.  I had chicken pox as a newborn infant and the virus stays with you for life.  It can rear its ugly head and cause multiple symptoms as you get older, or when your have stress, anxiety or your immune system is depressed.  I have had Bell's Palsy and unexplained neurological symptoms since 2002.  I have left sided weakness, suffer from nerve pain, especially in my fingers, toes, foot and leg.  At first they thought I had ALS or an upper motor neuron disorder.  However, that has been ruled out and I am still undiagnosed.  I know how frustrating it can be when you suffer from unexplained pain, numbness, weakness, your lips and tongue tingle and you  start stuttering, stammering or walking sideways.  They list the signs of a stroke on TV, but if I ran to the emergency room every time my arms started tingling or my speech was affected, I would have to rent a room there.  MS runs in my family, but I don't have the tell-tale lesions to make a diagnosis for that.  I have learned to accept and try to cope with my symptoms but it would be very interesting to note how many more people without a diagnosis may have had chicken pox or a herpes zoster infection, that may be the underlying cause.  I have had numerous MRI's, an EMG, EEG and X-Rays. Nerve damage doesn't show up MRI's and I have no explanation for my foot drop, nor the ongoing nerve pain and weakness.  So, if there are others out there in a similar situation, it would be interesting to read your postings.  Take care and Happy New Year.

[schoolpsyc]

I am a 48-year old female with a hx of chickenpox around the age of 4 or 5. About 4 weeks ago, I too woke up with what I thought was a kink in my neck. I went to work, it continued to bother me and actually worsened during the day. I took Advil. It improved. It continued to wax and wane over time with pain waking me up 2 nights in a row. I started to see a chiropracter, then chickened out of going since I heard the one I was planning to see was "rough."  
In the meantime about 3 weeks ago, I developed a fever blister which is clearing up but is still present in the corner of my lips
Two days ago, I noticed tingling and numbing sensations in the left arm, especially when I was sitting down. I made an appt to see the dr, and while I was waiting to see the dr yesterday, my arm/hand turned a bluish color.
The dr did x-rays in the office and it showed that my neck was straight when it should be curved. The dr thinks I am having muscle spasms. I am taking muscle relaxers and staying home right now.
I woke up this morning only to find another fever blister trying to form on my lip. That's why I'm doing this on line search.
I also have had a dx of low platelet count due to unknown cause since June 2005. I had no symptoms. The only reason it was discovered was the pre- work up for surgery- I was scheduled for a hysterectomy, which was done.
I have a hx of thyroid disorder but that is pretty much resolved as all of my bloodwork for the past several years has been normal except for the platelet count.
I also have had a rash that looks sort of like ringworm on my extremities, but it doesn't itch. I used to have 5 to 7 of these come up each month beginning about 2 years ago, but now they show up one at a time and don't bother me. I went to the dr 2 years ago for a sinus infection and asked about the rash, and was just given a cream for treatment.
I'm beginning to think I have some type of autoimmune disorder. I have had allergies- sinus- but I have been off shots for about 2 years now and have done ok- just one sinus infection per season. We catch it early and begin antibiotic tx- heavy duty pills- and then I'm ok.
I don't have any muscle weakness though- and my typing is as good as ever-dm

[Jenny Wren]

Were you ever tested for Lyme?

[patsy10]

I have  exactly what you describe above with no diagnosis.  I may have posted to you  before on this but have you had an eval. for lyme disease from an experienced lyme doctor?  The testing is unreliable.

[shannon3fh]

i have had bells palsey before. last year my left side of my face was effected and am currently experiencing a lot of tingling in both sides of my face. my dr said last year to me it could be caused by a herpes virus. sry not much help but wishing you the best.