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What Causes Abdominal Pain And Pain In The Ribs When Diagnosed With Shingles?

Posted on Thu, 14 Jul 2016

Question: I got Shingles in mid March, all the symtoms are gone except I still have same type of pain in center of stomach area between navel and rib cage. When should this pain be gone? A friend suggested I may have a Ventral Hernia?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of post-herpetic neuralgia

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
The herpetic eruptions appear in dermatomal distribution of a nerve root.
Even after healing of lesion, post-herpetic neuralgia can occur.
The treatment is pain modulator drugs like pregabalin, gabapentin or carbamazepine.
In uncontrolled cases, surgical measures can also be done.
Visit a neurologist for drug prescription. Doses require adjustment gradually based on response.
Not likely to be a ventral hernia until swelling and ultrasound proven.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Is post-herpetic neuralgia the name of the pain I feel?
How long until the pain is completely gone?
When can I get the shingles vaccine?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Yes, this is called post herpetic neuralgia.
Treatment should be started.
The response may take a month. Drug may need to be continued for 5-6 months.
No need for Vaccination now.
Consult your treating physician.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D