Varicella zoster-associated neurologic disease without skin lesions.

We have investigated a group of cases with inflammatory neurologic disease and serologic evidence of varicella zoster virus activity without cutaneous vesicles. In agreement with experience, a case of cranial polyneuropathy with facial palsy and cases of aseptic meningitis were found. However, cases of acute polyneuropathy, myelitis, and encephalitis were also identified. Thus, it seems that the spectrum of neurologic disease associated with varicella zoster virus in the absence of skin lesions is considerably broader than previously recognized.