Segmental Zoster Paresis
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Contents |
Epidemiology
- 3-5% of patients with cutaneous Herpes zoster
Clinical-manifestations
- segmental weakness involving the arm or leg corresponding to distribution of nerve root(s) that give rise to the dermatomal distribution
- weakness starts within 2 weeks of cutaneous eruption
- involves proximal muscles more commonly
- limited to 2-3 myotomes
- pain may hinder examination for weakness
Diagnostic-procedures
- nerve conduction studies show reduced amplitudes of action potentials in sensory & compound motor nerves
- needle electromyography 2-3 weeks after onset commonly shows abnormal spontaneous activity in weak muscles, if done later may reveal reinnervation with prolonged & polyphasic motor unit potentials
Management
- intravenous acyclovir with or without glucocorticoids, benefit of antiviral &/or glucocorticoids not established
- prognosis is good
- generally patients recover most function
- 50% recover all function
More General Terms
References
- Kawajiri S et al, Segmental zoster paresis of limbs. Report of three cases & reviez of the literature. Neurologist 2007, 13:313 PMID: [1]
