Herpes tester infection, resulting from reactivation of the dormant va
ricella tester virus in the dorsal root ganglia, usually causes a pain
ful dermatomal vesicular rash. Rarely, associated peripheral motor wea
kness is present, the mechanism of which is unclear. Three patients ar
e reported who had focal limb muscle weakness associated with tester i
nfection. Physical and occupational therapy played a key role in motor
function recovery of the patients, yet emphasis on the rehabilitation
of postherpetic motor weakness is lacking in the literature. Physiatr
ists evaluating patients with limb muscle weakness following herpes te
ster infection should be alert to this condition. The clinical syndrom
e of herpes tester radiculopathy and the rehabilitation of these patie
nts are discussed. (C) 1997 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation
Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilita
tion.