Shingles: What you need to know...

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SHINGLES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Herpes zoster, commonly called shingles, is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Only people who have had chicken pox can get shingles.

After a patient recovers from the chicken pox, the virus remains inactive in the body. Shingles develops when the virus becomes active again. People over the age of 50, or those with weakened immune systems due to diseases such as HIV or cancer, are at the highest risk for developing shingles.

Shingles usually appears as a painful rash, typically on only one side of the body. The rash generally lasts from one to fourteen days. However, some patients with shingles may develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition in which the pain from shingles continues months or years after the rash has faded. To see more on our website click here.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that people 60 years old and older get the shingles vaccine to prevent shingles and PHN. For more information about the vaccine click here to visit the CDC's website.

NEW FINDINGS POINT TO CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM ROLE IN PAINFUL DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NERVE DISEASE

Emerging evidence suggests that the central nervous system

(CNS) is a key contributor to the problem of painful peripheral nerve disease in people with diabetes, according to a special article in the February issue of Pain, the official publication of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). To learn more click here!

FIBROMYALGIA: A PERIPHERAL PAIN DISORDER?

In a study published in the October issue of Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, researchers found that women with fibromyalgia exhibited corneal nerve atrophy consistent with neuropathic pain. The findings suggest that some patients with fibromyalgia may actually have small fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN). For more information click here!

New Support Group Forming: Portland, OR
Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group

With the help of the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, Mark & Michele Davis, a couple whose lives have changed in every way due to chronic nerve pain, are looking to connect with others who really understand and to provide education and support for all whose lives have been turned upside down from this condition.

Neuropathy patients, care-partners, caregivers & family in the Portland area are invited to join them!

First Wednesday of the month (next meeting March 2, 2016)

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Mt. Hood Medical Center (24800 SE Stark St., Gresham 97030)

Mt. Hood Room @ Cascade Building

For more info contact: Michele Davis: redcoach99@aol.com or (503) 515-9248 cell

To find a support group near you click here!

Watch for our upcoming announcement of our new and improved website to be launched soon!

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this e-news is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. You are strongly encouraged to consult a neurologist with any questions or comments you may have regarding your condition. The best care can only be given by a qualified provider who knows you personally.

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