A Case of Post-herpetic Brachial Plexopathy Affecting Multiple Segments

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2010;12(2):121-126.
Published online October 1, 2010.

Abstract

Introduction: Muscle weakness is a rare complication of herpes zoster infection. We experienced a case of paresis affecting multiple spinal nerves in the left upper extremity accompanied after herpes zoster infection. Case: Fifty-six years old woman has suffered from pain and paresis which had occurred after the herpes zoster infection. There are multiple skin lesions in the C5, C6, C7 and C8 dermatome on the left hand, arm and upper back. The paresis of left upper extremity is seen in the elbow flexor, wrist extensor, finger flexor, finger extensor, finger abductor, and thumb abductor. The electrodiagnostic examination showed the abnormalities compatible with brachial plexopathy affecting C6, C7, and C8 spinal nerves or more segments. Conclusion: Unlike the previous domestic reports of segmental zoster paresis, this is the only case of post-herpetic brachial plexopathy involving more segments than three spinal nerves.

Key Words: Herpes zoster, Brachial plexopathy, Weakness, Multiple spinal nerves, Electromyography