Zoster Paresis of the Shoulder: Brachial Plexopathy Due to Herpes Zoster

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2003;5(2):106-110.
Published online May 10, 2003.

Abstract

Herpes zoster(HZ) is a disease caused by the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus lying silent in the ganglia of the posterior spinal roots. Clinically it presents with vesicular eruption of the skin, radicular pain and sensory changes in the distribution of the affected ganglion, and self-limiting course with complete resolution of dermatitis and pain in about 2 months. However, motor involvement can be seen as well. This is a report of the brachial plexopathy associated with herpes zoster infection. A 48-year-old male patient presented with left shoulder paresis and muscle atrophy after segmental herpes zoster at C5 and C6 dermatomes. Generally, electrodiagnostic finding of zoster paresis shows radiculopathy, but he showed the incomplete brachial plexopathy at the level of upper trunk with muscle atrophy for a short period.

Key Words: Herpes zoster, Zoster paresis, Brachial plexopathy.