Clinical investigation of segmental zoster paresis: A case of rare motor complications of herpes zoster

Abstract

Introduction: Motor involvement is a rare complication of herpes zoster (HZ) infection, which is referred to as segmental zoster paresis (SZP). Case Report: We evaluated the clinical course of a rare case of motor complications of HZ. A 77-year-old man showed limb paresis, considered as SZP of the limb, of which one also had hemidiaphragmatic paralysis. The time between onset and start of antiviral drug administration was 29 days. An almost complete recovery from motor complications was achieved nine months after onset. Conclusion: Segmental zoster paresis was found in an old patient aged ≥75 years. In addition to age, it was suggested that a delay in antiviral drug initiation may have caused SZP. However, further large prospective cohort studies are required. The patient has recovered from motor paralysis slowly over half a year, which is consistent with the prognosis of conventional SZP.