Dr. Hitesh Kumar
Neurology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
15 years ago, a neurologist performed a spinal tap on me because my right leg was almost paralyzed. They discovered that I had the shingles virus in my spinal fluid, which they explained could travel up and down my spine, affecting different parts of my body. However, now I am experiencing a variety of weird symptoms: painful knees and hips (X-rays showed nothing wrong), days of very high blood pressure (I am already on medication for that), psoriasis or eczema, days of diarrhea, lack of energy, and feeling weak and tired. Recently, my predominant symptom has been intense pain in my right hip and upper leg, and occasionally in both legs. This discomfort limits my ability to walk long distances or climb stairs. I have seen a cardiologist, and they confirmed that my heart is okay. I am not taking any medication specifically for this ailment. However, I am on Clonazepam, Trazodone, Crestor (Rosuvastatin), and Chlorthalidone for other conditions. I underwent lipid panel and fasting glucose tests. In the past, I used Neurontin to address this complaint. Could all these symptoms be caused by the shingles virus in my spinal fluid?
Kindly help.
Hello,
I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.
I understand your concern.
I would like to know some further details about your problem:
I also suggest consulting an orthopedic specialist to evaluate for any potential hip abnormalities.
Looking forward to your response in order to help you.
Thank you.
Investigations to be done
Differential diagnosis
Regarding follow up
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
The CSF test confirmed the presence of the shingles virus in my spinal fluid. There is no rash on my right leg; rather, the rash is only on the palm of my right hand and both thumbs. The pain in my right upper leg is a dull ache accompanied by heaviness, without any burning or tingling sensations. The pain does not increase when my leg is touched, but it does slightly intensify when I walk. Even simple tasks like mounting a curb are difficult and cause more pain. Standing up after sitting down is also challenging and painful. I have been experiencing knee pain for years, along with some lower back and shoulder or neck pain. However, the knee pain has since subsided. Is it common to have the shingles virus in the spinal fluid? Can it cause problems in multiple body systems, such as blood pressure, digestion, mood, and fatigue? Considering my previous positive response to Neurontin 15 years ago, would it be the simplest solution to prescribe me with Neurontin again?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com
Such heaviness and dull pain in the upper leg, which worsens while standing and walking, can indicate either a hip joint problem or sciatica pain. It does not seem to be related to the shingles virus. The shingles virus often remains dormant in nerve ganglions and can reactivate at any time in life, causing herpes zoster- a condition characterized by skin rash and extreme burning in a specific nerve region. I suggest you to take Neurontin (Gabapentin) for this pain. I also advise you to undergo a thorough workup to determine the diagnosis. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the lumbar spine with the hip joint, as well as screening the entire spine, along with an orthopedics consultation, are essential steps for further evaluation. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take the medicines with their consent. Consider the following precautions:
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you so much for your help.
Fifteen years ago, the neurologist diagnosed my condition as being caused by shingles, as it was present in the spinal fluid. Subsequently, he mentioned that he suspected it might be MS (multiple sclerosis). As Neurontin completely cured my condition back then, why do you not think I have the same condition now, especially since I am experiencing the same symptoms as before? I am aware of the typical symptoms of shingles, but I am not displaying any of them. Nonetheless, the presence of the virus in my spinal fluid led him to believe that it was the cause, and given the successful treatment with Neurontin, does not this point to the same diagnosis? Today, I went for a short walk, which proved difficult, painful, and exhausting. Afterward, my right leg started tingling. Should I discontinue walking?
Hello,
Thanks for your follow-up question on icliniq.
The activation of the shingles virus causes skin lesions and intense burning pain in a specific area of the skin. In the long term, it can lead to neuralgia at previous skin lesion sites. However, you do not have any of these symptoms. Your pain is of the heaviness type and worsens with walking and standing. Therefore, there is a possibility of nerve root compression or inflammation in your back or some hip joint problem. The first diagnostic approach for your problem would involve an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the spine and hip, as well as NCV (nerve conduction velocity) studies. You should avoid forward bending and weight lifting. You can continue walking until you feel comfortable. Neurontin is not a specific medicine for shingles; it is used for various types of nerve pains. You can try it until we reach a diagnosis.
Hope this information helps. Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Neurology
Related Questions
Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Symptoms, Vaccine, and Management
How can shingles be treated?
How serious is herpes zoster infection on the scalp?
I got some itchy lesions on my thigh and forearm. Are they herpes?
Acupuncture Treatment of Herpes Zoster and Post Zoster Neuralgia
Can shingles cause red, itchy, and painful blisters?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
