19. Encephalomyelitis
When herpes zoster affects the brain and its membranes, it causes inflammation of the brain structures, known as encephalomyelitis. These patients have neurologic problems and may sometimes develop a type of meningitis with symptoms such as headache, fever, neck stiffness, and sensory changes. Symptoms of herpes zoster encephalomyelitis can be severe, and it is a cause of fatal hemorrhages and death in some cases. It is sometimes confused with poliomyelitis.