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
- • A painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters on, in and around one ear
- • Facial weakness or paralysis on the same side as the affected ear
- • Ear pain
- • Hearing loss
- • Ringing in ears (tinnitus)
- • Difficulty closing one eye
- • A sensation of spinning or moving (vertigo)
- • A change in taste perception or loss of taste
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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Chicken pox
Herpes zoster
Tinnitus
Rashes
Vertigo
Otalgia