PubMed ID: 39024152
Author(s): Kuranz CV, Larson J. Cranial Nerve VI Palsy Secondary to Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: A Case Report and Literature Review. WMJ. 2024 Jul;123(3):222-224. PMID 39024152
Journal: Wmj : Official Publication Of The State Medical Society Of Wisconsin, Volume 123, Issue 3, Jul 2024
INTRODUCTION In this report, we describe a rare case of a cranial nerve VI palsy secondary to herpes zoster infection with polyneuropathic involvement.
CASE PRESENTATION An 82-year-old male was seen by ophthalmology for acute onset of double vision. Fourteen days before presenting, he was diagnosed with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. He was suspected to have zoster polyneuropathy also involving cranial nerve IX and X given a sore throat that began prior to the characteristic trigeminal dermatomal rash. He was diagnosed with cranial nerve VI palsy secondary to herpes zoster infection.
DISCUSSION Ophthalmic complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus are many; however, extraocular nerve palsies secondary to herpes zoster infection and zoster polyneuropathy are documented infrequently in the literature.
CONCLUSIONS Extraocular muscle palsies are a rare complication of herpes zoster infection. This case reviews the most current literature surrounding this condition and discusses the significance of polyneuropathic involvement in varicella zoster virus reactivation.
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