Health Research Journal of Indonesia
Vol 4 No 6 (2026): Health Research Journal of Indonesia

Is There a Direct Pathway Linking Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus to Extra-Axial Hemorrhage?

Putri Fortuna Sari (Universitas Jember)
Eko Aprilianto Handoko (Departemen Neurologi, RSUD dr. Koesnadi)
Febri Zamrotul Firdausi (Universitas Jember)
Mirza Wafiyudin Baehaqi (Universitas Jember)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) results from reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and may involve ocular, neural, and vascular structures. Although VZV vasculopathy is commonly associated with ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic and extra-axial manifestations remain rare. Case Presentation: We report a 57-year-old man who presented with acute speech impairment and right-sided weakness. Neurological examination demonstrated Broca’s aphasia, right upper motor neuron facial palsy, and right hemiparesis. Two weeks before admission, he had been diagnosed with left-sided HZO, which resolved following antiviral therapy. Brain computed tomography revealed a hypodense extra-axial lesion in the left frontotemporal region, suggestive of late subdural hemorrhage, with subdural hygroma considered as a differential diagnosis. The temporal relationship between HZO and the neurological event raised suspicion of VZV-associated vasculopathy with atypical hemorrhagic involvement. Conclusion: This case highlights an uncommon neurological complication of HZO presenting with cortical deficits and extra-axial hemorrhagic pathology rather than the more typical ischemic stroke. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for both ischemic and hemorrhagic VZV-related vascular complications in patients presenting with new focal neurological deficits after HZO, as early recognition and appropriate neuroimaging are essential for accurate diagnosis and timely management.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

HRJI

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

Health Research Journal of Indonesia (HRJI) merupakan media publikasi penelitian orisinil dan review article di bidang Kesehatan meliputi Kesehatan Masyarakat, Farmasi, Keperawatan, Kebidanan, dan bidang Kesehatan lainnya yang berfokus pada topik promosi kesehatan, manajemen kesehatan, pelayanan ...