Herpes Reactivation Following Posterior Fossa Surgery: A Case Series

Herpes reactivation following posterior fossa surgery is an underrecognized but clinically significant complication. This case series describes three patients who developed herpes labialis within 3 to 4 days after posterior fossa surgery involving the trigeminal nerve. Surgical stress, direct nerve manipulation, and perioperative corticosteroid use likely contributed to reactivation. Prompt diagnosis and early antiviral therapy with acyclovir led to complete resolution in all cases. These findings highlight the need for greater awareness, early recognition, and potential prophylactic antiviral use in high-risk neurosurgical procedures to prevent herpes-related complications.