Question 1

What is VZV Vasculopathy?

Accepted Answer

VZV vasculopathy is a rare neurological condition where the Varicella-Zoster Virus causes inflammation and damage to blood vessels in the brain, potentially leading to stroke. It is caused by reactivation of the dormant Varicella-Zoster Virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles) that infects cerebral arteries. The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies IgG test is the most important test for establishing whether you have been exposed to VZV, which is essential for linking past infection to vascular complications.

Question 2

What causes VZV vasculopathy?

Accepted Answer

VZV vasculopathy is caused by reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster Virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles. After your initial chickenpox infection (usually in childhood), the virus remains dormant in nerve cells along your spine and can reactivate years or even decades later. When it reactivates, the virus can travel along nerve pathways to blood vessels in your brain, causing inflammation and damage to the arterial walls. This vascular inflammation can lead to narrowing or blockage of cerebral arteries, resulting in stroke-like symptoms or actual strokes.

Question 3

What is the best test for VZV vasculopathy?

Accepted Answer

The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies IgG test is the most important blood test for VZV vasculopathy because it detects IgG antibodies that indicate past exposure to the virus. This test confirms whether you have had a VZV infection (chickenpox or shingles) that could be linked to your vascular symptoms. While VZV vasculopathy diagnosis primarily relies on neuroimaging like MRI or CT angiography to visualize blood vessel damage, the antibody test is essential for establishing the infectious cause. The presence of VZV IgG antibodies helps your doctor connect your infection history to current neurological symptoms and guides treatment decisions, including antiviral therapy.

Question 4

When should I get tested for VZV vasculopathy?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience sudden stroke-like symptoms such as weakness on one side of your body, difficulty speaking, vision problems, or severe headaches, especially if you recently had shingles or a history of chickenpox. Testing is particularly important if you develop neurological symptoms weeks to months after a shingles outbreak, even if the rash has healed. You should also consider testing if you have unexplained stroke symptoms and are immunocompromised, as VZV reactivation is more common in people with weakened immune systems. Early testing and diagnosis can lead to prompt antiviral treatment, which may prevent further vascular damage.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of VZV vasculopathy?

Accepted Answer

VZV vasculopathy symptoms typically resemble those of a stroke and can include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems including double vision or blindness in one eye, and severe headaches. You might also experience confusion, dizziness, loss of coordination, or difficulty walking. Some people develop these symptoms gradually over days to weeks, while others experience sudden onset. The symptoms can occur with or without a preceding shingles rash, and they may appear months after a shingles episode has resolved. If you experience any stroke-like symptoms, seek immediate medical attention regardless of whether you recognize a connection to past VZV infection.

Question 6

Who is at risk for VZV vasculopathy?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for VZV vasculopathy because the virus remains dormant in their body, though the condition is rare. Your risk increases significantly if you are immunocompromised due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or medications that suppress your immune system such as chemotherapy or long-term steroids. Older adults face higher risk as immune function naturally declines with age, making viral reactivation more likely. People who have recently had shingles, especially involving the face or eye area, are at elevated risk. Additionally, individuals with a history of stroke or other cerebrovascular disease may be more susceptible to VZV-related vascular complications.

Question 7

What happens if VZV vasculopathy is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If VZV vasculopathy is left untreated, the ongoing viral inflammation can cause progressive damage to blood vessels in your brain, leading to additional strokes or worsening neurological deficits. You may experience permanent brain damage resulting in long-term disability, including paralysis, speech problems, cognitive impairment, or vision loss. The condition can also lead to life-threatening complications such as hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) or widespread vascular inflammation affecting multiple brain regions. Without antiviral treatment, the virus continues to replicate and damage arterial walls, increasing the risk of recurrent strokes. Early diagnosis and treatment with antiviral medications like acyclovir can stop viral replication, reduce inflammation, and prevent further vascular damage, significantly improving outcomes and reducing the risk of permanent disability.

Question 8

Can VZV vasculopathy be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

VZV vasculopathy cannot be fully diagnosed with a blood test alone, but blood testing plays an essential supporting role in the diagnostic process. The Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibodies IgG blood test confirms past exposure to VZV, which is critical for establishing the infectious cause of your vascular symptoms. The definitive diagnosis requires neuroimaging studies like MRI or CT angiography to visualize blood vessel inflammation and damage in your brain, along with clinical evaluation of your neurological symptoms. In some cases, doctors may also test cerebrospinal fluid (obtained through spinal tap) for VZV DNA to confirm active viral infection in the central nervous system. The blood test for VZV antibodies helps your healthcare team piece together your infection history and connect it to current symptoms, guiding appropriate antiviral treatment.

Question 9

How is VZV vasculopathy treated?

Accepted Answer

VZV vasculopathy is primarily treated with high-dose intravenous antiviral medications, most commonly acyclovir, which stops the virus from replicating and reduces inflammation in affected blood vessels. Treatment typically requires hospitalization for several weeks to ensure the antiviral therapy is effective and to monitor for complications. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone to reduce vascular inflammation, though this is individualized based on your specific case. Stroke management includes supportive care such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help recover lost functions. Some patients may require antiplatelet medications like aspirin to prevent blood clots, and blood pressure management is important for protecting damaged vessels. The key to successful treatment is early diagnosis and prompt initiation of antiviral therapy, which can significantly improve outcomes and prevent further strokes.

Question 10

How can I prevent VZV vasculopathy?

Accepted Answer

The most effective way to prevent VZV vasculopathy is to get vaccinated against shingles with the Shingrix vaccine, which is recommended for adults 50 and older and significantly reduces your risk of shingles and its complications. If you have never had chickenpox, getting the varicella vaccine can prevent initial infection and eliminate future reactivation risk. Maintaining a healthy immune system through proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management helps keep the dormant virus from reactivating. If you are immunocompromised, work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor for signs of viral reactivation and consider prophylactic antiviral therapy if appropriate. If you develop shingles, seek prompt medical treatment with antiviral medications, as early treatment can reduce the risk of complications including vasculopathy. Avoiding situations that severely stress your immune system can also help prevent viral reactivation.

Question 11

What can I do at home for VZV vasculopathy?

Accepted Answer

VZV vasculopathy requires immediate medical treatment and cannot be managed at home alone, but you can support your recovery by strictly following your prescribed antiviral medication regimen and attending all follow-up appointments. Focus on stroke recovery strategies including participating fully in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy as prescribed by your healthcare team. Maintain a brain-healthy lifestyle with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids while limiting salt and saturated fats to support vascular health. Get adequate rest to allow your body to heal, but balance rest with prescribed rehabilitation exercises. Monitor and manage your blood pressure at home as directed, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Watch for any new neurological symptoms or worsening of existing symptoms, and contact your healthcare provider immediately if they occur. Building a strong support system of family and friends can help with both physical recovery and emotional well-being during the rehabilitation process.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

VZV Vasculopathy Blood Test

What is VZV Vasculopathy?

What causes VZV vasculopathy?

What is the best test for VZV vasculopathy?

When should I get tested for VZV vasculopathy?

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