Age: 73.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: VARZOS, VARZOS, VARZOS
Symptoms: Red blood cell sedimentation rate
Clinical narrative: This spontaneous report was received from a 73 year old female patient with asthma, many allergies (unspecified), and allergies to beta blockers and iodine. The patient's medical history included cancer (not further specified) and shingles twice before receiving ZOSTAVAX. On 16-MAR-2013, the patient was vaccinated with ZOSTAVAX one dose via "injection". Concomitant therapies included DEPAKOTE, ZOMIG, and several unspecified medications. On 18-MAR-2013, the patient developed severe migraine headaches after receiving ZOSTAVAX. Treatment included acupuncture therapy and physical therapy. An MRI of the brain and blood tests described as ESR/CRP (erythrocyte sedimentation rate/C-reactive protein) were performed (results not provided). She went to a neurologist. The migraine headaches have not recovered. The patient also reported that DEPAKOTE and ZOMIG (unspecified manufacturer) did not work (dates not provided). Follow information has been received from a physician and a 73 year old female consumer with a history of asthma, and vertigo, radiating neck pain, daily bifrontal headaches associated with cervical degenerative arthritis treated with unspecified pain medication (Jan-2012). On 16-Mar-2013, at 1145 hours, the patient was vaccinated with ZOSTAVAX one dose via subcutaneously. On 18-Mar-2013, at 0900, the patient had developed a severe, persistent migraine headache that had lasted "24/7". The patient stated, as a consequence of receiving the ZOSTAVAX, "the only new element introduced in my lifestyle", and the horrendous migraine pain that had followed, she developed a viral infection in her lungs and for the first time had lost her voice. The patient had a CT Scan of the chest (results were not provided). On 23-Mar-2013, the patient went to her internist who treated her with ciprofloxacin HCL, 500 mg and hydrocodone-homatropine syrup. Between 15-Apr-2013 and 02-Jul-2013, the patient underwent neurological treatment for her severe migraine pain without success. The patient's treatment consisted of trigger point injections and medications including ZOMIG 5 mg, TOPAMAX 25 mg and prednisone 20 mg. The patient's neurologists requested an MRI of the brain to rule out a growth and/or aneurysm in view of the patient's severe migraine pain. The results of the patient's MRI were negative. In addition, the patient had blood work tests, ESR/CRP that were all negative. The patient was also seen in consultation by an ear, nose and throat specialist to rule out any sinus problems which could have contributed to her severe migraine headache. Again the results of the patient's CT Scan were negative. On 08-Jul-2013, the neurologist reported that since (Jan-2012), the patient had been treated for vertigo and has been seen in his office numerous times. The patient first complained of neck pain, which radiated to the back of her head. The patient's pain symptoms were also associated with daily headaches (conflicting information as the patient reported that she had not had a regular headache in several years). The neurologist believed that the patient's bifrontal headaches were associated with her severe cervical degenerative arthritis. The neurologist treated the patient with pain medication after ruling out any emergent reasons for her persistent neck pain, headaches and vertigo. The patient stated that her symptoms had not improved at all. Upon the patient's request, the neurologist recommended acupuncture treatment as a last resort for the her persistent pain symptoms. On 28-Jun-2013 and 06-Aug-2013, the patient has received acupuncture treatments (x 8 treatments). As of 12-Aug-2013, the patient reported that her migraine pain had continued but had diminished somewhat in its severity. Upon internal review, lost her voice was considered to be an other important medical event. Severe migraine headache was considered to be disabling by the consumer. All available medical records will be provided upon request. Additional information has been requested.