Subdural empyema and herpes zoster syndrome (Hunt syndrome) complicating removal of third molars

We report a case of subdural empyema and herpes zoster syndrome (Hunt syndrome) complicating routine removal of third molars. Subdural empyema is an extremely rare but life-threatening complication of dental sepsis arising spontaneously or after dental surgery. The clinician should be familiar with its presentation and have a high index of suspicion, because late recognition and delay in its treatment can increase the associated morbidity and mortality. Surgical procedures and in particular maxillofacial surgery have also been known to trigger varicella zoster reactivation resulting in Hunt syndrome. Some patients develop the characteristic rash several days after the onset of facial weakness, so that Hunt syndrome may initially be misdiagnosed as Bell’s palsy. We highlight the difficulties in diagnosing Hunt syndrome and argue the case for early treatment of all patients with Hunt syndrome and Bell’s palsy with a combination of systemic steroids and antiviral drugs.