Shingles can cause severe chronic pain – new research on how exosomes alter neurons offers pathways to treatment

The pain of post-herpetic neuralgia can drive people to the point of suicide. Researchers are getting closer to pinpointing its cause – which may extend to other forms of neuropathy.

By: Andrew Bubak, University of Colorado Anschutz, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 14, 2026

Words: 1,085

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Andrew Bubak, University of Colorado Anschutz

Shingles can cause pain that is notoriously difficult to manage and can last for months to years for some people. The pain can be so severe that it causes a significant decline in quality of life and can be accompanied by suicidal thoughts and emotional distress.

If the pain lasts longer than three months, doctors call the condition post-herpetic neuralgia. Because the underlying mechanisms driving this …

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