[Facial diplegia and acute inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy secondary to varicella]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2009 Oct;165(10):836-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2008.10.016. Epub 2008 Dec 10.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Primo-infection by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) may be associated with several neurologic complications. Bilateral facial palsy is a rather uncommon manifestation.

Case report: We report the case of a 38-year-old woman who developed bilateral facial diplegia and paresthesia affecting all four limbs with subacute onset several days after varicella virus primoinfection. Ancillary tests showed hyperproteinorachia and signs of demyelinating polyneuropathy in nerve conduction tests. The diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome was retained and a treatment with intravenous immunoglobulines was started, leading to progressive improvement.

Conclusion: Immunotherapy is a possible therapeutic approach in the context of neurologic postinfectious complications after VZV infection where an underlying mechanism is probable.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chickenpox / complications*
  • Chickenpox / pathology
  • Chickenpox / therapy
  • Demyelinating Diseases / etiology*
  • Demyelinating Diseases / pathology
  • Demyelinating Diseases / therapy
  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Facial Paralysis / etiology*
  • Facial Paralysis / pathology
  • Facial Paralysis / therapy
  • Female
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / etiology
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Paresthesia / etiology
  • Paresthesia / pathology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous