Herpes zoster myelitis, with occurrence of unusual neurologic symptoms in herpes zoster infection: successful treatment of three cases

Young Eun Moon, Ji Yeong Kim, So Young Lee, Jia Kim, Min A Joo, Hue Jung Park

Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Herpes zoster infection can cause a variety of neurologic complications. One of its serious complications is myelitis, which is focal inflammation of the spinal cord, resulting in sensory and motor deficits in the corresponding region of the body. This condition is not easy to diagnose and can cause fatal complications if treatment is delayed. We report the successful treatment for three patients with myelitis of the cervical and sacral spine during acute herpes zoster infection with antiviral agents, continuous epidural block, and steroid pulse therapy.