Unexplained Abdominal Pain? Think Shingles

When a patient presents with unilateral abdominal pain, always consider shingles-especially if the patient is elderly. The pain may persist for a week or more before the rash begins.

Tell the patient that the rash associated with shingles usually starts on the back. He or she may notice it sooner and, therefore, may seek treatment earlier.

- D. Brady Pregerson, MD
   Los Angeles

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