The Dr. states he can not do anything but put me the viral medication daily, but I keep on having these out breaks
Diagnosed with Herpes (Shingles) of the inner ear. Pain unbearable. Anyone else had this?
Question posted by woofybarb on 19 Aug 2010
Last updated on 1 September 2010
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Answers
suzanne66
1 Sep 2010
Herpes zoster oticus (HZ oticus) is a viral infection of the inner, middle, and external ear. It is extremely painful. Although there is little reliable evidence available as to effective treatment for HZ oticus, a combination of antivirals, analgesic and corticosteroids are usually prescribed.
Vaccinations are recommended in all patients over 60.
melissab(twilightfan85)
1 Sep 2010
great answer! my question is, how do u get it in the ear? is it the herpe like a fever blister or herpe like on your genitals? or is it in a catagory all in its own?
suzanne66
1 Sep 2010
You get the virus after you get chickenpox. The chickenpox virus remains inactive in certain nerves in the body. Shingles occurs after the virus becomes active again in these nerves years later.
The reason the virus suddenly become active again is not clear. In the case of HZO it is the 8th cranial nerve ganglia and the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve that is involved.
Genital herpes (herpes simplex type 2), fever blisters / coldsores (herpes simplex type 1) are viral infection caused by different strains of the herpes simplex virus. Herpes zoster (shingles) is a different type of virus
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