ORCiD

Todd E. Davenport: 0000-0001-5772-7727

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice

Volume

35

Issue

1

First Page

28

Last Page

30

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

Background: Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) is one cause of radiculopathy that may be under-recognized by physical therapists as a cause of radiating limb pain. Case Presentation: A 67-year-old woman presented to physical therapy with acute onset of low back and left knee pain, left lower extremity weakness, and an absent quadriceps deep tendon reflex. She had recently been discharged from pelvic floor physical therapy for pudendal neuralgia diagnosed by the patient’s gynecologist 6 months prior. Outcome: The patient had minimal initial relief with physical therapy interventions for her lumbar radiculopathy. She then was diagnosed with HSV-2 with recurrent outbreaks. The patient experienced improvement with daily acyclovir. Discussion: The patient’s diagnosis of HSV-2, monthly viral outbreaks, and no lasting improvements with non-pharmacological treatment led to the identification of HSV-2-related radiculopathy. Clinical Relevance: This case study illustrates the importance of physical therapists considering the neurological complications that can arise with HSV-2.

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