Herpes zoster oticus with cranial polyneuropathy without involvement of facial nerve

Herpes zoster oticus is caused by herpetic viruses including varicella zoster and most commonly affects cranial nerves (CN) VII and VIII. With a review of literature, we report a case of herpes zoster oticus with selective involvement of CN VIII, IX and X. Interestingly, the motor fibers of CN VII were spared while ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve involvement was evident. The patient was treated with antiviral medication and systemic steroids and symptoms were improved.