Question
Herpes zoster is commonly seen in a :
| A. |
Cervical region |
| B. |
Thoracic region |
| C. |
Lumbar region |
| D. |
Geniculate ganglion |
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » B Explanation |
|
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Herpes zoster is caused by:
- Reactivation of Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
- The virus remains latent in:
- Dorsal root ganglia after primary chickenpox infection
When immunity decreases, the virus reactivates and travels along sensory nerves, producing:
- Painful vesicular eruptions
- Dermatomal distribution
Most Common Site
Thoracic dermatomes are most commonly affected
- Especially:
- T3–L3 regions
- Thoracic involvement accounts for:
- ~50–60% of cases
Therefore:
Thoracic region is the commonest site.
Explanation of Other Options
A. Cervical region
- Can occur
- Less common than thoracic involvement
C. Lumbar region
- May occur
- Less common
D. Geniculate ganglion
- Involvement causes:
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome
- Features:
- Facial nerve palsy
- Ear vesicles
- Hearing symptoms
