INTRODUCTION: Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation has become a useful tool in effectively treating severe Parkinson’s disease. METHOD: While most reports in literature describe the immediate and short-term post-operative brain lead implant-related adverse events, we present the case of a 65-year-old man who developed herpes zoster (HZ) upon the subcutaneous placement of the pulse generator two years after the procedure. CONCLUSION: He had excellent recovery of HZ lesions and related pain after specific antiviral therapy. The importance of a correct diagnosis of this unusual complication is outlined in order to minimize the risk of debilitating chronic HZ-associated pain.