Herpes zoster of the larynx--how common?

Abstract

Herpes zoster of the larynx is considered to be rare, but on reviewing the literature it is noted that some authors considered it to be more common than already acclaimed. Herpes may prove to be a common cause of cord palsies presently labelled as idiopathic and serological tests for herpes should be asked for. Of note is the fact that the cord palsy of a herpetic lesion can be short-lived and that earache is a common symptom. In this paper four cases of herpes laryngis are presented. It is advised that the larynx should be examined in all cases of herpes zoster of the head and neck.