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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
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Chronic Constriction of the Sciatic Nerve and Pain Hypersensitivity Testing in Rats
Published on: March 13, 2012
Sacral herpes-zoster infection presenting as sciatic pain.
1Department of Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
Summary
Herpes zoster, or shingles, can cause severe sciatic pain. This case highlights the importance of considering sacral herpes zoster in diagnosing new-onset sciatic pain, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Acute herpes zoster (shingles) presents as painful, dermatomal lesions and can manifest with diverse neurological symptoms.
- Sciatic pain, particularly when involving the S roots, can have various underlying causes requiring careful differential diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of acute herpes zoster infection affecting the sacral nerve roots, presenting initially as sciatic pain.
- To emphasize the importance of considering sacral herpes zoster in the differential diagnosis of new-onset sciatic pain in specific clinical contexts.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 55-year-old female patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Clinical presentation of left sciatic pain, followed by fever and vesicular rash in the gluteal area.
- Diagnosis confirmed by immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against varicella-zoster virus and response to antiviral treatment.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced left sciatic pain involving S roots, preceding the development of fever and a characteristic vesicular rash.
- Herpes zoster infection was confirmed serologically.
- Symptoms resolved effectively following treatment with acyclovir.
Conclusions:
- Sacral herpes zoster infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of new-onset sciatic pain, especially in patients with risk factors like lymphoma.
- Early recognition and treatment with antivirals like acyclovir can lead to resolution of symptoms and prevent complications.
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