Elderly Female with Cranial Polyneuropathy.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) reactivation commonly causes Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) in the head and neck.
• RHS typically presents with facial nerve palsy, rash, and neuralgia.
• Cranial polyneuropathy (CP) is a rare complication of VZV reactivation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of VZV reactivation complicated by cranial polyneuropathy.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges associated with this rare presentation.
• To highlight management strategies in resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic workup.
• Discussion of treatment approaches.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with VZV reactivation leading to cranial polyneuropathy.
• Diagnostic evaluation posed challenges due to the unusual manifestation.
• Successful management was achieved despite resource limitations.

Conclusions:

• VZV reactivation can present with rare neurological complications like cranial polyneuropathy.
• Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial, even in resource-limited environments.
• This case underscores the importance of considering VZV in unexplained cranial nerve deficits.