What is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

When the varicella zoster virus gets to a nerve in the head, a painful rash around the ear called Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs. The chickenpox and shingles is from this same virus. Irritation and swelling of the facial nerve occurs near the inner ear from this condition.

Symptoms

Some of the signs of this condition include vertigo, hearing loss on one side, and weakness on one side of the face. There can be a painful rash on the ear canal, eardrum, earlobe, roof of the mouth, and tongue, all on the side of the face that there is weakness. There can be facial droop, paralysis on one side of the face, difficulty with fine facial movements, with grimacing, with eating, or closing one eye.

Diagnosis

Some of the diagnostic testing that will go one to check for Ramsay Hunt syndrome include a physical exam to check for weakness or a rash, a blood test to check for the varicella zoster virus, a lumbar puncture, an MRI of the head, an electromyography, skin test to check for the varicella zoster virus, and a nerve conduction test.

Treatment

Steroids are given for treatment for the first week and then a week to ten days of an antiviral medication. Pain killers may be needed. There may be other medications to treat symptoms. It may take longer to get over if there is severe damage. There is a chance if there is too severe damage that you may not fully recover.

A few complications are possible. These include spreading to brain and spinal cord, changes to appearance and taste, damage to eye, nerves growing back incorrectly, face muscles or eyelid spasms, and persistent pain.

Source: A.D.A.M.