Segmental Motor Paresis Presenting with Abdominal Wall Pseudohernia due to Herpes Zoster: Case Report

ABSTRACT

Herpes zoster is characterized by vesicular eruption and rash of the skin in the affected dermatomes. Sensory symptoms such as pain and hypesthesia are often accompanied in patients with herpes zoster. While motor paralysis is uncommon, abdominal paralysis can result in rare complications such as abdominal wall pseudohernia. In the present report, we discuss the case of a 62 year-old man who presented with abdominal wall protrusion after herpes zoster infection involving the right T10-T12 dermatomes. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were not specifically correlated with abdominal wall protrusion. Needle electromyography revealed abnormal spontaneous activity in the right paraspinal muscles at the T10-T12 levels, rectus abdominis, and external oblique muscles. Dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) exhibited prolonged latency in the right T10 and T12 dermatomes. These findings suggest that herpes zoster infection can affect both motor and sensory nerves.