HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Numbness In The Knee When Diagnosed With Shingles Normal?

default
Posted on Thu, 19 Jan 2017
Question: My doctor diagnosed a type of shingles without pain. Four weeks later numbness still there. Also a slight localized altered sensation above left knee. would that be normal with shingles?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes would be normal.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Shingles is an infection which affects a peripheral nerve. As such it may cause dysfunction of that nerve which can manifest with abnormal sensations which can be painful (fortunately not your case) or simply numbness and altered sensation. So the answer is yes some sensation changes can remain after shingles. In most cases as the nerve regenerates it returns back to normal within 3 months. In a minority of cases can persist for longer.

I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (19 hours later)
So even though my doctor diagnosed a type of shingles without pain in my face it is normal for altered sensation to last a few months. Am I right in thinking it is also normal to have localised numbness above left knee as part of the same shingles?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
Hello again! In your initial question you didn't mention the shingle symptoms were in the face, shingles can affect any nerve root and I had assumed that it was in the same leg area as the numbness.
So regarding the first question about the face symptoms, yes it symptoms can last a few months. As for the second part though the answer is no, it shouldn't be part of the same infection, shingles affect one particular nerve root and the face and leg are covered by completely different nerve roots. It may happen for shingles to recur in a different area, but not commonly and before saying that is the case there should be other symptoms, at least the skin rash.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Numbness In The Knee When Diagnosed With Shingles Normal?

Brief Answer: Yes would be normal. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Shingles is an infection which affects a peripheral nerve. As such it may cause dysfunction of that nerve which can manifest with abnormal sensations which can be painful (fortunately not your case) or simply numbness and altered sensation. So the answer is yes some sensation changes can remain after shingles. In most cases as the nerve regenerates it returns back to normal within 3 months. In a minority of cases can persist for longer. I hope to have been of help.