Open Access 01-12-2021 | Shingles | Case report
Zoster-associated limb paralysis mimicking acute stroke: a case report
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2021
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Background
Varicella zoster virus is a Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus exclusively affecting humans. Reactivation of varicella zoster virus causes herpes zoster with vesicular eruptions in a restricted dermatomal distribution. Peripheral motor neuropathy is a very rare complication of varicella zoster virus.
Case presentation
A 57-year-old previously well Sri Lankan female presented with acute onset painful weakness of the left upper limb with a preceding history of a febrile illness. Subsequently she developed vesicular eruptions in the dermatomal distribution of cervical 5, 6, and 7. Electromyography was suggestive of acute denervation of cervical 5, 6, and 7 myotomes. Diagnosis of zoster-associated brachial plexopathy was made, and the patient was treated with acyclovir, steroids, and analgesics. She made a good recovery.
Conclusion
Brachial plexus neuritis due to varicella zoster infection should be considered in an acute monoparesis of a limb as it is a treatable and reversible condition