General Information About Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a painful type of facial paralysis that occurs when the chickenpox virus from a past infection reactivates years later, inflaming the facial nerve that passes around the ear and controls facial muscles.
Ordinary facial paralysis usually only involves muscle weakness in the face. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is much more severe; in addition to facial paralysis, it presents with painful fluid-filled blisters (shingles rash) on the outer ear or in the ear canal and hearing loss.
Unbearable and burning pain inside the ear, pimple or blister-like red rashes on the outer ear or the roof of the mouth, sudden drooping on one side of the face (inability to close the eye), dizziness (vertigo), and ringing in the ears.
The typical shingles rash in the ear canal combined with facial paralysis on the same side is sufficient for an ENT or Neurology specialist to make a clinical diagnosis immediately.
To prevent the facial paralysis from becoming permanent and to ensure the return of hearing, it is vital to urgently start strong Antiviral medications and high-dose Cortisone intravenously or orally within the first 72 hours after the onset of symptoms.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
