Respiratory muscle dysfunction after herpes zoster.
We report an unusual neurologic complication of herpes zoster. After thoracic herpes zoster, our patient complained of severe shortness of breath as a result of myoclonus of the abdominal muscles as documented by electromyography. The myoclonus resulted in repetitive interruption of expiratory air flow, resulting in shortness of breath and a staccato speech. This case demonstrates the need to evaluate the function of all the respiratory muscles in a patient complaining of dyspnea.
Passerini
L
L
Cosio
M G
MG
Newman
S L
SL
D000009:Abdominal Muscles; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
D002998:Clonazepam