Just like any other viral infection, general weakness and lightheadedness with shingles is not unusual.
Because shingles is an infectious condition caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV), lightheadedness and generalized weakness might occur as with any viral infection.
Another less likely possibility is that the visual symptoms are caused by VZV retinal necrosis, which is a viral infection of the retina. The combination of lightheadedness, weakness, and visual symptoms might indicate a transient ischemic attack, which is caused by a VZV vasculopathy—a viral infection of the cerebral arteries. New medications may be a contributing factor as well.
Since it can take many months to be seen by a neurologist, people with a VZV infection who are experiencing progressing neurology symptoms should seek evaluation in the emergency department.
