Introduction: It is important to recognize acutely evolving ischemic stroke attributable to reactivation of varicella zoster virus vasculopathy since antiviral agents are effective. Methods: Three cases seen by the author over a 2-year period are highlighted. Results: All patients presented with an evolving arterial or venous ischemia in the background of postherpetic neuralgia proceeding for weeks to months. Conclusion: Chronic neuralgic pain in a dermatomal distribution of an evolving central nervous system vasculopathy is an important clue to its recognition.

Keywords:
Varicella zoster, Vasculopathy, Clinical clues
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© 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel
2012
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