Also known as Herpes zoster oticus
ABOUT THE DISEASE
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a complication of shingles, characterized by facial nerve paralysis and painful rash around the ear or mouth. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles (herpes zoster). After chickenpox heals, the virus may lies dormant in nerves and can get reactivated later on and spread to affect the facial nerve.
SYMPTOMS
CAUSES
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
DIAGNOSIS
- Clinical evaluation- Blood tests for varicella zoster virus- Electromyography (EMG)- MRI of the head- Nerve conduction test- Skin tests for varicella zoster virus
TREATMENT METHODS
Medications including anti-virals, pain relievers, corticosteroids and anti-anxiety drugs, help to control the symptoms and prevent complications.
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