Neurologic Complications of Herpes Zoster.
- Author:
Soon Kwan KIM
1
;
Soong Hyun LEE
;
Young Chul CHOI
;
Il Sang CHOI
;
Jin Ho KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Neurology, Yongdong Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- MeSH:
Drug Therapy;
Herpes Zoster*;
Humans;
Incidence;
Neuralgia, Postherpetic;
Risk Factors;
Trigeminal Nerve
- From:Journal of the Korean Neurological Association
1994;12(4):715-722
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Herpes zoster is an acute, self-limited disease of infectious origin. It is characterized by grouped vesicular lesions on an erythematous base distributed over several dermatomes as well as single. In some cases the patients can be found to have an identifiable risk factor such as old age, malignancy, irradiation, chemotherapy, immunosuppresive therapy and trauma. The majority of cases are self-limited and resolved completely. However it may have serious complication. We reviewed 369 cases of herpes zoster to determine the distribution of lesions, incidence of postherpetic neuralgia, associated disorders, and the age. 134 cases (36.1%) of 369 cases with herpes zoster were associated with chronic disorders. The complications of herpes zoster were developed in 71 cases (19.2%) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) was the most commom complication. The frequency and severity of postherpetic neuralgia were proportional to age. There was a predilection of the involvement in thoracic dermatomes, lumbar dermatomes and ophthalmic division of trigeminal nerve in decreasing order of frequency. The incidence and duration of postherpetic neuralgia are significantly related to age.
