Scand J Infect Dis Suppl 1996;100:35-40
Neurological complications in herpes zoster.
Flamholc L
Department of Infectious Diseases, Malmo University Hospital, University of
Lund, Malmo, Sweden.
This paper discusses the complications associated with herpes zoster, with
emphasis on its neurological manifestations. These complications, which are
particularly prevalent in elderly and immunodeficient patients, include
focal muscle paralysis, contralateral hemiplegia, myelitis, cranial nerve
palsies and meningoencephalitis. A causative relationship with herpes zoster
in many of these syndromes is probably more common than previously suspected
due to difficulties in diagnosis and lack of awareness among clinicians.
Zoster sine herpete-- reactivation of varicella zoster virus without
rash--is associated with a spectrum of neurological disease and, for obvious
reasons, is particularly difficult to diagnose. The polymerase chain
reaction could be a valuable tool in overcoming these diagnostic problems,
especially in patients without characteristic eruptions, allowing the early
initiation of effective antiviral therapy.
Dr Jon Wilcox
General Medicine, Paediatrics and Obstetrics,
Glenfield Medical Centre,
452 Glenfield Road,
Auckland 1310, New Zealand
Phone or Fax +649-444-7656
e-mail [log in to unmask]
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