Zoster, or shingles, is reactivation of the chickenpox virus and can cause a painful rash and nerve symptoms.
Symptoms often begin with burning, tingling, or pain on one side of the body, followed by a blistering rash in the same area. Some people also feel feverish or tired.
Imaging is not usually needed for ordinary shingles, but it helps if doctors are worried about complications affecting the brain, spine, or eyes.
Imaging is not routinely needed, but MRI or CT may be used when there are complications involving the brain, spine, or eyes.
Treatment may include antiviral medicines, pain control, and urgent specialist review if vision or neurological symptoms are involved.
This entry explains the condition. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.
