Early diagnosis of zoster sine herpete and antiviral therapy for the treatment of facial palsy

Neurology. 2000 Sep 12;55(5):708-10. doi: 10.1212/wnl.55.5.708.

Abstract

The effect of antiviral agents on recovery from facial palsy in patients with zoster sine herpete (ZSH; varicella zoster virus reactivation without zoster) has not been evaluated because ZSH is difficult to diagnose early after onset. In this study, all 13 patients who received acyclovir-prednisone treatment within 7 days of onset, as confirmed by a positive PCR result, showed complete recovery. PCR-based early diagnosis of ZSH and antiviral therapy elicited an excellent outcome for recovery from facial palsy due to ZSH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Facial Paralysis / drug therapy*
  • Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / diagnosis*
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • DNA, Viral
  • Prednisone
  • Acyclovir