Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
12:22
A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Polyneuritis cranialis following herpes zoster
H Radhakrishna1, T Malakondaiah, I C Reddy
1Department of Dermatology and Neurology, Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool-528 002, India.
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
|September 30, 2010
Summary
Herpes zoster can affect multiple cranial nerves, not just the common ones. Treatment with acyclovir and steroids resulted in only partial motor function recovery in three patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
- Cranial nerve involvement is a known complication of herpes zoster, but multiple nerve involvement is less common.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing herpes zoster complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report three cases of herpes zoster involving multiple cranial nerves.
- To discuss the clinical presentation and management of such cases.
- To review the existing literature on multiple cranial nerve involvement in herpes zoster.
Main Methods:
- Case series of three patients diagnosed with herpes zoster affecting multiple cranial nerves.
- Treatment administered included acyclovir and oral steroids.
- Clinical outcomes were assessed at two months post-discharge, focusing on motor function recovery.
Main Results:
- All three patients presented with herpes zoster involving multiple cranial nerves.
- Partial recovery of motor function was observed in all cases after two months.
- The study highlights the potential for significant neurological deficits despite treatment.
Conclusions:
- Herpes zoster can present with extensive cranial nerve involvement, extending beyond typical patterns.
- While acyclovir and steroids are standard treatments, motor function recovery may be incomplete.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies for severe cranial nerve palsies in herpes zoster.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Chickenpox
Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:22Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
01:28Herpes
Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...