title: Herpes zoster sciatica with paresis preceding the skin lesions. Three case-reports.
abstract: We report three cases of herpes zoster sciatica with motor loss preceding the typical skin lesions. Serological tests and cerebrospinal fluid examination established the diagnosis. Two patients had residual motor loss after 1 and 3 months, respectively. Immunodepression and other risk factors should be looked for routinely. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve the prognosis. Tests for antibodies or viral DNA in cerebrospinal fluid can be helpful, although negative results do not rule out the diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Department, Jean Minjoz Teaching Hospital, Boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besançon, France. daniel.wendling@ufc-chu.univ-fcomte.fr
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wendling
authors.forename: Sandrine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Langlois
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lohse
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Toussirot
authors.forename: Fabrice
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Michel
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010291:Paresis / Q000821:virology*; D012585:Sciatica / Q000821:virology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000821:virology*