Varicella Zoster of the Trigeminal Nerve After Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation of the Gasserian Ganglion: A Case Report

In this report we present a case of varicella zoster infection at the third division of trigeminal nerve, which was developed after radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) of the Gasserian ganglion for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. A-65-year-old female patient who was suffering from left-sided facial pain, a vesicular erythematous rash in the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, and left eye pain, was admitted to our department. The patient had suffered from trigeminal neuralgia for 5 years. Her complaints increased during the past 6 months and became refractory to the medical treatment. Finally, the patient underwent RFT of the Gasserian ganglion 1 month ago. During the past 10 days, vesicular erythematous rash, and left eye pain and tearing occurred with an exacerbation of left-sided facial pain. The painful rash consisted of varicella zoster infection. This is the first report about reactivation of varicella zoster infection after RFT in the literature. RFT of Gasserian ganglion might act as a precipitator in the reactivation of latent varicella zoster infection.