Vertigo from shingles:(

Infections
1

It’ Been a year now and still dizzy and confused from having shingles in my ear. Im in my 40’s would it ever go away??

2

Hi Maria,

As you had it in your ear, it affected your vestibular nerve. As I have the same condition, with a facial droop, it is called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.

I would see an "otoneurologist" for the dizziness. The specialist can evaluate your specific problem, order tests, including an MRI of the ear, and determine more precisely the cause of the dizziness.

My ENT ordered a special MRI of the ear and CT scan, which revealed new abnormalities of the affected ear, secondary to Herpes Zoster-Shingles. I have ataxia, (balance issues) as well.

I ultimately saw a physical therapist to help train me regarding my balance, which helped. I move more slowly. I do not have vertigo, in which the room is spinning.

Otoneurologists are found in large cities.

I did not find any medication helpful regarding balance issues.

I hope this helps you. It is a frustrating problem, and very scary. I have had recurrent Herpes Zoster-Shingles in my right ear every 3-5 weeks for the past 21 years and twenty-one years and twice in my right eye. My right superior semicircular canal dehisced, due to Herpes Zoster-Shingles.

I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States.

Best Wishes

Merry Juliana

3

Is there no end to the complications of this infernal disease ?? r, Colin, England

4

Dear Colin,

Depending on the Cranial or Spinal Nerves involved, unfortunately, no. The best plan is to get vaccinated with Shingrex, but it really doesn't do us, those with PHN and/or recurrent episodes much good...I do hope it will prevent further recurrences. Please also get your Vitamin D level checked.

I am so sorry you are still suffering.

Best Wishes

Merry Juliana

5

 Thank you again, Merry. I have been able to back off the pain killers a bit recently - so possibly, just possibly, there is a light at the end of the tunnel ! As the joke goes, `As long as it is not an oncoming train :-)'  regards, Colin, England.

6

Colin,

Your sense of humor is delightful... sometimes, my humor has been my saving grace.

Best Wishes

Merry Juliana

7

I once went to a remote work site, in the company of a Chemical Engineer, (Alan) and a Vendor Engineer, who was a Brit, but had spent 20 years in Ohio? or similar. The Vendor said at the end of the 2 day visit, that he really missed the sort of banter that existed between Alan and I. (I am a retired Professional Mechanical / Project Engineer ......)

8

Colin,

I sent you a private message.

Merry Juliana

9

Hi Maria,

Sorry to hear that you're still suffering after-effects.

I had shingles on my head a couple of years ago, and it took me a long time to recover. My balance problems (associated with my hearing loss) have got worse over the past year, but I don't know whether it's a result of the shingles so I'll be seeing my GP net week to follow it up.

You might find the long discussion at https://patient.info/forums/discuss/anyone-had-shingles-on-their-face-head--397875 of interest (When the shingles on my forehead and scalp was diagnosed, it was good to find a forum of people who understood what I was going through, and who reassured me.)

Best wishes,

Janice

(in Hastings, UK)

Janice