Diaphragmatic paralysis following cervical herpes zoster

Abstract

Herpes zoster is well-known viral disease in immune compromised that produces inflammatory lesions in the posterior root ganglia and is characterized clinically by pain and skin eruptions along the distribution of the affected ganglia. However, motor involvement after a herpes zoster is an uncommon complication. We report a case of diaphragmatic paralysis that occurred after a herpes zoster in 63-year-old woman. The diaphragmatic paralysis occurred one month after the typical herpes zoster eruptions affecting the C3 and C4 dermatomes in the right neck, shoulder and back area.