Herpes zoster ophthalmicus involves which branch of the trigeminal nerve?

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus involves which branch of the trigeminal nerve?

• A. V3
• B. V2
• C. C2
• D. V1

Answer: (D)

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the trigeminal ganglion and predominantly involves the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. This division is the sensory branch that supplies sensation to the eye and the surrounding forehead and eyelids, including the cornea and conjunctiva. Therefore, shingles in this distribution produce vesicular eruptions and ocular involvement in the eye region. The other divisions—maxillary and mandibular—supply the midface and lower face and do not innervate the eye, and C2 is a cervical nerve, not part of the trigeminal system. Hence, the ophthalmic division is the correct branch involved.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the trigeminal ganglion and predominantly involves the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. This division is the sensory branch that supplies sensation to the eye and the surrounding forehead and eyelids, including the cornea and conjunctiva. Therefore, shingles in this distribution produce vesicular eruptions and ocular involvement in the eye region. The other divisions—maxillary and mandibular—supply the midface and lower face and do not innervate the eye, and C2 is a cervical nerve, not part of the trigeminal system. Hence, the ophthalmic division is the correct branch involved.