[Myelitis and optic neuritis caused by varicella].

Abstract

The pathogenesis leading to involvement of the nervous system is still not well defined. Direct invasion by the virus has been postulated, particularly in Herpes-Zoster (reinfection by Varicella-Zoster), as immunological phenomena which may be more frequent with Varicella (initial infection by Varicella-Zoster virus). In our case there were two short episodes of neurological involvement: optic neuritis and myelitis, with a satisfactory clinical course after giving corticosteroids. This makes one think of immunological mechanisms rather than direct invasion of the central nervous system by the Varicella-Zoster virus.