Most of us think of shingles as a painful skin rash that ruins a few weeks of our lives. However, emerging research suggests the virus does far more damage beneath the surface than previously thought. The varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles, has the ability to travel to the blood vessels in your brain.
This migration creates a condition known as VZV vasculopathy, which inflames the arteries and restricts blood flow. Consequently, this inflammation can increase your risk of stroke and permanent cognitive decline. It is not just a skin condition; it is a neurological threat that is often ignored. If you have noticed brain fog after a shingles outbreak, the issue might literally be in your head.
