Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine  2013;37(3):449-452

doi:10.5535/arm.2013.37.3.449

Vernet Syndrome by Varicella-Zoster Virus.

Yil Ryun JO 1 ; Chin Wook CHUNG ; Jung Soo LEE ; Hye Jeong PARK

Affiliations

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Keywords

Varicella-zoster virus; Cranial nerves

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Vernet syndrome involves the IX, X, and XI cranial nerves and is most often attributable to malignancy, aneurysm or skull base fracture. Although there have been several reports on Vernet's syndrome caused by fracture and inflammation, cases related to varicella-zoster virus are rare and have not yet been reported in South Korea. A 32-year-old man, who complained of left ear pain, hoarse voice and swallowing difficulty for 5 days, presented at the emergency room. He showed vesicular skin lesions on the left auricle. On neurologic examination, his uvula was deviated to the right side, and weakness was detected in his left shoulder. Left vocal cord palsy was noted on laryngoscopy. Antibody levels to varicella-zoster virus were elevated in the serum. Electrodiagnostic studies showed findings compatible with left spinal accessory neuropathy. Based on these findings, he was diagnosed with Vernet syndrome, involving left cranial nerves, attributable to varicella-zoster virus.