Herpes Zoster Of The Trigeminal Nerve-Two Cases Reports.

Background: The herpes zoster of the trigeminal nerve branches caused by Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is a clinical entity consisting of erythematous macules, papules, vesicles, bullae, small ulcers and erythematous plaques and characteristic short acute or pre-eruptive phases and long methherpetic periods with pain, burning or tingling in the involved dermatomes like in other peripheral nerves. The diagnosis of herpes zoster is primarily based upon history and clinical examination. The painful periods can induce misdiagnosis with dental signs like trigeminal neuralgia, odontalgia and acute pulpitis and the complications referred in the literature like tooth resorption, periapical lesions, periodontal destruction, osteomyelitis, jaw osteonecrosis and tooth exfoliation promote the dentist's role in diagnosis and management of this disease. Cases Reports:Two cases related to herpes zoster of the trigeminal nerve branches diagnosed at first stages as trigeminal neuralgia are presented in this report. Besides pathogenesis, clinical picture, jaw complications, diagnosis and therapeutic aspects are discussed.