Herpes zoster ophthalmicus associated with abducens palsy

• Published in: Journal of neurosciences in rural practice Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 180 - 182
• Main Authors: Chaker, Nibrass, Bouladi, Mejda, Chebil, Ahmed, Jemmeli, Mehdi, Mghaieth, Fatma, El Matri, Leila
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Medknow Publications 01-04-2014; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Thieme Medical Publishers Inc; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd
• Subjects: Abducens nerve diseases; Care and treatment; Case Report; Case studies; Causes of; Diagnosis; Family medical history; Infections; Pain; Patient outcomes; Risk factors; Shingles (Disease); Vaccines; Viral infections; India; Herpes zoster ophthalmicus; Abducens nerve; external ophthalmoplegia
• ISSN: 0976-3147; 0976-3155
• DOI: 10.4103/0976-3147.131673

The extraocular muscle palsies associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) are transient, self-limiting conditions, usually seen in elderly patients. There are different treatment recommendations for paralytic complications, but prognosis has generally reported to be favorable. A 75-year-old male patient presented with diplopia. Clinical history revealed left facial vesicular eruptions and pain treated by oral aciclovir 1 week following symptom onset. On examination, we observed cicatricial lesions with crusts involving left hemiface, a limitation in abduction of the left eye, and a superficial punctuate keratitis (SPK) with decreased visual acuity (4/10). Examination of the right eye was unremarkable. Hess screen test confirmed left six nerve palsy.