Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is known also known as herpes zoster oticus. It is characterized by facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear. This condition occur due to shingles outbreak affecting the facial nerve near one of ears.
Symptoms
Main symptoms of this disease are:
- Red painful rashes with cystic blisters on, in and around one affected ear
- Facial weakness or paralysis on the same side
- Ear ache
- Loss of hearing
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo
- Difficulty closing one eye
- Loss of taste
- Dry eyes and mouth
Causes
Main cause of this condition is the previous chickenpox infection. After recovery from chickenpox infection virus persist in the body and reactivate after years and leads to the appearance of shingles, a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters.
Complications
- Lifetime loss of hearing
- Facial weakness
- Eye damage causing eye pain and blurred vision.
- Post therapeutic neuralgia
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include:
- Testing of the fluid sample from the cystic blisters.
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Medications like antiviral drugs, corticosteroids, Anti-anxiety drugs, pain relievers
- Application of cool, wet compressors to ease pain
- In case of dry eye, use eye drop to moisture eye surface