Does shingles affect the mind?

These problems can be long-lasting or permanent. 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).

What is the emotional cause of shingles?

Emotional stress is considered a trigger for shingles because it has been shown to weaken the body’s immune system. This can happen in those who have undergone a sudden shock, such as the death of a loved one, or people who face chronic work or life stress.

What are the symptoms of shingles in the 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 anxiety cause shingles?

Since stress affects the immune system, many researchers believe that stress could be a trigger for shingles. Researchers in multiple studies have linked chronic, daily stress, and highly stressful life events as risk factors for shingles.

Is shingles linked to depression?

Patients who are experiencing chronic pain and severe symptoms as a result of shingles have an increased risk of developing depression. The link between chronic pain and depression is well-documented. Research suggests that up to 66 percent of patients with chronic pain symptoms may have co-existing major depression.

Where does shingles hide in the body?

Shingles is an illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Although people recover from the symptoms of chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in the body, hidden in the nerve cells near the spinal cord and brain.

What foods trigger shingles?

Foods that have been found to exacerbate the shingles virus should be avoided where possible. The worst culprits contain the amino acid arginine that actually stimulate the herpes virus to replicate, such as, nuts, seeds, soy products, oats, coconut, flour (white and whole-wheat), and alas, chocolate.