Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine

Varicella zoster virus in the adult patient most commonly presents as shingles. Shingles is a painful vesicular eruption localized to a specific dermatome of the body. One of the potential complications of this infection is involvement of the central nervous system causing encephalitis. An increased risk of this complication is associated with the immunocompromised patient. In this case report, we review the history and physical exam findings that should raise clinical suspicion for varicella zoster encephalitis, as well as the epidemiology, risk factors, treatment, and prognosis of this type of infection.