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Segmental myoclonus preceding herpes zoster radiculitis
1Department of Neurology, New York Medical College, Valhalla.
European Neurology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Segmental myoclonus can precede herpes zoster in AIDS patients, responding to antiviral therapy. This case highlights an unusual presentation of spinal cord myoclonus in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Segmental myoclonus originates in the spinal cord and is associated with viral infections like herpes zoster radiculitis.
- Typically, myoclonus symptoms appear after a rash and necessitate pharmacological intervention for suppression.
Observation:
- A patient diagnosed with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) presented with arm and shoulder myoclonus.
- This myoclonus occurred contralaterally before the onset of herpes zoster in the same spinal segments on two separate occasions.
Findings:
- The patient's myoclonus resolved rapidly following the initiation of antiviral treatment.
- Notably, the patient did not develop encephalitis after the second episode, a contrast to observations in other immunosuppressed individuals.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential atypical presentation of herpes zoster radiculitis in patients with AIDS.
- Prompt antiviral therapy may be crucial for managing myoclonus and preventing complications like encephalitis in this population.
- Further research is warranted to understand the neuro-immunological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.