In an article published earlier this month by Stroke, the Taipei Medical University in Taiwan recorded a 30% increase in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke with a four-fold increase of the herpes zoster (shingles), especially when it affects the area around the eyes. Print publication of this report is scheduled for a November release date.
Herpes Zoster is an extremely painful nerve infection accompanied by a rash and caused by the varicella virus, or chicken-pox. Shingles are the result of a reactivation of chicken-pox – regardless of how long ago it was when an individual first contracted the virus. Findings showed the herpes zoster virus cause blood vessel damage, causing a blockage to the brain.
While there is no known treatment for prevention of herpes vasculopathy, early antiviral medications may help. Vaccination against shingles reduces the incidence by 61% and is advocated for the prevention of post-herpetic neuralgia in individuals over age 60 years. Risk factors for stroke include hypertension, hyperlipidemis, diabetes mellitus and smoking.
Because the incidence of shingles increases with age, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend people in this age group with healthy immune systems be vaccinated against the virus.
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