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Electroencephalographic changes in patients with herpes zoster.
1Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Marselisborg Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities are common in herpes zoster patients, often showing slowed brainwave frequencies. These EEG changes, while similar to encephalitis cases, were less severe and unaffected by acyclovir treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Herpes zoster (shingles) can affect the nervous system.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) is used to assess brain activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize EEG abnormalities in herpes zoster patients.
- To compare EEG findings in herpes zoster with herpes zoster-associated encephalitis.
Main Methods:
- Studied EEGs of 42 patients with herpes zoster.
- Compared findings with 6 patients with herpes zoster-associated encephalitis.
Main Results:
- 31% of herpes zoster patients exhibited EEG changes, primarily reduced rhythm frequency (7-2 Hz).
- Frontotemporal localization was noted in 54% of abnormal EEGs.
- EEG abnormalities in herpes zoster were qualitatively similar but less severe than in encephalitis cases. Acyclovir showed no discernible effect on EEG.
Conclusions:
- EEG abnormalities are prevalent in herpes zoster.
- Frontotemporal slowing is a common finding.
- EEG can help differentiate herpes zoster from encephalitis, though findings overlap.