Herpes zoster: a consideration in the differential diagnosis of radiculopathy
Burkman, K.A.; Gaines, R.W.; Kashani, S.R.; Smith, R.D.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 69(2): 132-134
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9993 PMID: 2963601 Document Number: 325989
Herpes zoster probably occurs more often than generally thought. Since it produces a radicular distribution of pain, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of radiculopathy. A case is presented in which evaluating the radicular low back pain before the characteristic rash appears was misleading. Careful history-taking concerning the exact nature of the pain and sensory changes is needed to differentiate between zoster and radiculopathy, if no rash is evident.