Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Shingles
Moderate
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Concussion
Moderate
4
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Shingles
Shingles is a painful skin condition caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in nerve tissue and can reactivate years later. Shingles usually produces pain, burning, tingling, or increased sensitivity followed by a localized blistering rash. The rash commonly occurs on one side of the body or face. Symptoms usually resolve over several weeks, although nerve pain can persist after the skin has healed.
Concussion
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head or by a force that makes the brain move rapidly within the skull. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, and changes in sleep or mood. Loss of consciousness is not required.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Eye Pain Hair Loss Muscle WeaknessOnly in Right Disease
Confusion Dizziness Fainting HeadacheCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
InfectionOnly in Right Disease
None
Diagnosis
Shingles
Shingles is usually diagnosed from the characteristic pattern of localized pain followed by a one-sided blistering rash. A physical examination is generally sufficient when the presentation is typical. Laboratory testing may be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain, the rash is atypical, or the affected person has unusual symptoms. A sample from a blister can be tested for varicella-zoster virus. Eye, ear, neurological, or widespread involvement requires particularly careful clinical assessment.
Concussion
Concussion is diagnosed primarily from the circumstances of the injury, symptoms, and neurological examination. Healthcare professionals assess memory, concentration, balance, coordination, and other neurological functions. CT or MRI is not required for every concussion but may be used when there are signs suggesting a more serious brain injury, such as severe worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, or neurological abnormalities.
Prevention
Shingles
Vaccination against varicella-zoster virus can reduce the risk of chickenpox and later shingles, while shingles vaccination can reduce the risk of shingles and its complications in eligible people. Recommendations vary according to age and health status. Maintaining general health and appropriate management of conditions that weaken immunity may also be beneficial. People with an active rash should avoid direct contact with individuals who are particularly vulnerable to varicella infection until lesions have crusted.
Concussion
Concussion risk can be reduced by using appropriate protective equipment, following sports-safety rules, improving playing and training techniques, using seat belts, preventing falls, and making homes and work areas safer. Helmets can reduce the risk of some head injuries but cannot prevent every concussion. Anyone suspected of having a concussion should stop the activity and be medically assessed before returning to sports or other high-risk activities.
Risk Factors
Shingles
The main risk factor is previous infection with varicella-zoster virus. Risk increases substantially with advancing age because immune control of the virus may weaken over time. People with weakened immune systems because of certain illnesses or treatments also have greater risk. Severe physical or psychological stress may be associated with reactivation in some individuals. Shingles can occur in people without an obvious risk factor, so absence of these factors does not eliminate the possibility.
Concussion
Risk factors include participation in contact or collision sports, activities with a high risk of falls, previous concussion, and situations where protective equipment or safety measures are inadequate. Children and adolescents may require particular attention because their brains are still developing. Returning to activities before recovery can increase the risk of another injury.
Treatment
Shingles
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Concussion
Treatment comparison will be available soon.