Medical Health Encyclopedia

In most cases, PHN resolves within three months. In fact, some experts define persistent pain after a herpes zoster attack as subacute herpetic neuralgia if it lasts between one and three months and as PHN only if it lasts beyond three months. According to studies in 2003 report, only about 10% of patients experience pain after a year. Furthermore, one study suggested that severe and very persistent PHN is not common. Unfortunately, when PHN is severe and treatments have not been very effective, the persistent pain and abnormal sensations can be profoundly frustrating and depressing for these patients.

Secondary Infection in the Blisters. If the blistered area is not kept clean and free from irritation, it may become infected with Streptococcus A or Staphylococcus bacteria. If the infection is severe, scarring can occur.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Guillain-Barre syndrome is caused by inflammation of the nerves and has been associated with a number of viruses, including herpes zoster. The arms and legs become weak, painful, and, sometimes, even paralyzed. The trunk and face may be affected. Symptoms vary from mild to severe enough to require hospitalization. The disorder resolves in a few weeks to months. It should be noted that other viruses (e.g., C. jejuni, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr) are reported to have a stronger association to this syndrome than herpes zoster does. One study, in fact, found no higher incidence of herpes zoster virus in Guillain-Barre patients than in the general population.

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Effects on Face and Ears.

• Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs when herpes zoster causes facial paralysis and rash on the ear (herpes zoster oticus) or mouth. Symptoms include severe ear pain and hearing loss, ringing in the ear, loss of taste, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome may also cause a mild inflammation in the brain. The dizziness may last for a few days or even for weeks, but usually resolves. Severity of hearing loss varies from partial to total, however, this too usually always goes away. Facial paralysis, on the other hand, may be permanent.
• Bell's Palsy. Bell's palsy is partial paralysis of the face. There is some indication that this syndrome may suggest a reactivation of herpes zoster, even if no rash appears.