Varicella or chickenpox is caused by the herpes zoster virus (HZV). It is transmitted through droplet infection or direct contact with vesicle fluid and is very contagious. HZV is a neurotrophic virus, ie. it has the ability to invade and reside within neural tissue. Primary infection with HZV results in the...

Case study 1

A 78-year-old female patient was referred by her GP to the pain clinic complaining of pain in her chest wall on the right side

The woman reported spontaneous sharp burning pain in the right side of her chest just under the breast for the past four months. The pain is provoked by trivial...