Korean J Dermatol.  2004 Feb;42(2):236-238.

A Case of Motor Paralysis Caused by Herpes Zoster

• Jang SJ
• Choe YB
• Ahn KJ

Abstract

Herpes zoster, caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus lying dormant in the ganglion of the dorsal root, is characterized by segmental rash, pain, and sensory symptoms. Motor symptomatology is less well known and is most often related to central nervous system disease, although true lower motor neuron afflication is also thought to exist. Subclinical motor involvement is relatively more common than clinical motor weakness and is easily detected by using electromyography (EMG). An 81-year-old male patient with herpes zoster on the left shoulder, left upper arm and forearm had complained progressive weakness of the limb. On physical examination, he was noted to have groups of small vesicles on erythematous base following C4 to C6 dermatomal distribution over the left upper limb. We examined the limb using EMG and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) studies. Thereafter we concluded he had motor paralysis caused by herpes zoster.

Keyword

Herpes zoster; Motor paralysis

MeSH Terms

Aged, 80 and over
Arm
Central Nervous System
Deception
Electromyography
Exanthema
Extremities
Forearm
Ganglion Cysts
Herpes Zoster*
Herpesvirus 3, Human
Humans
Male
Motor Neurons
Neural Conduction
Paralysis*
Physical Examination
Shoulder
Spinal Nerve Roots
Upper Extremity