Does one require a neurological approach while suffering from shingles and fibromyalgia leading to dizziness and weakness?
Patient: I am inquiring about the concern of a dear friend who has been mostly confined to her bed for the past 6 weeks due to the following symptoms: extreme weakness, dizziness, hands shaking, aching all over, headache, limited intake of food, became dehydrated and had to go to the hospital for iv fluids.  She's had a cat scan and blood work which did not show anything, and the doctor she's seen in Scottsdale, AZ does not know what's wrong.  Early in Sept. she had Shingles which affected her back, arms, neck and torso.  Do you think she should be examined by a neurologist.  She also has had Fibromyalgia for years. Doctor: Hi,Thank you for posting your query.I appreciate your concern for your friend.Yes, it would be very useful for her to be examined by a neurologist. Her present symptoms may or may not be related to the past episode of shingles.After examination, she may require MRI of brain and spine, and blood work such as thyroid profile, serum vitamin B12 level, etc to identify the cause.I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.Wishing you good health,Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)Senior Consultant NeurologistApollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, IndiaClick on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumarMy BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in