Definition
Varicella zoster virus (VZV), which also belongs to the group of herpes viruses, causes various neurological diseases. To be mentioned here are the: The zoster encephalitis is rare and in its clinical appearance hardly distinguishable from the herpes simplex encephalitis. Therapy is also high-dose with Aciclovir, the prognosis is corresponding. This topic might also be of interest to you: virus infection
- Chickenpox
- Zoster encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Zoster myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord)
- Zoster radiculitis neuritis (inflammation of a nerve root single nerve, commonly known as shingles)
- Zostervasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
What is the Varicella zoster virus?
How does the Varicella Zoster Virus manifest itself?
Most frequently attacked by zoster: On the 3rd – 5th day, blisters appear in groups in the affected skin area, which can be bloody, filled with secretion and virus and scabbed after a few days. Like the blisters in chickenpox, they can leave small scars. In zoster ophthalmicus the whole eye with conjunctiva, cornea and optic nerve is affected, which can lead to permanent damage and even blindness.
In zoster oticus the whole ear with auricle and inner ear. Since the organ of equilibrium is also located in the inner ear, there can be impressive symptoms with tinnitus, vertigo and nausea. The involvement of various cranial nerves is possible, especially the facial nerve, which supplies the motor facial muscles, can be affected.
In 60 % of the cases there is therefore a unilateral facial paralysis (facial nerve paresis).
- Segments in the thoracic/abdominal area (thoracic segments) Here the disease is called shingles; because the segments are arranged in a belt shape
- Segments of the lower neck (cervical segments); pain in the shoulder-arm region
- The uppermost of three segments of the sensitive facial nerve (trigeminal nerve), zoster ophthalmicus (pain in the eye and forehead region) (Greek: ophthalm = eye). Nose and chin region (2nd and 3rd trigeminal branch) are less frequently affected.
- The segment that supplies the ear region Zoster oticus (pain in the ear, lateral face-neck)
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