[Zona of the cranial nerves. Current aspects]

Recurrence of the chickenpox virus, herpes zoster localizes in cranial nerves in 30% of cases, with a predilection for the ophthalmic nerve. In young patients, clinicians must search for a herpes zoster-HIV association as well as oculomotor proprioception impairment in herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Enhanced MRI allows good objective view of the facial nerve lesions in herpes zoster facial paralysis. Finally, the gravity and aftereffects of cephalic herpes zoster can be decreased by an appropriate therapeutic approach.