What’s Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

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Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a type of facial paralysis that can occur in people with an active outbreak of a particular type of herpes simplex virus. This virus, called the shingles virus, also causes chicken pox and shingles. Ramsay Hunt syndrome causes a number of symptoms related to the function of the ears and facial nerves. In most cases the symptoms can be treated with antiviral agents and steroids. This syndrome is associated exclusively with varicella-zoster virus infection.

The symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome are sequelae of infection with herpes simplex virus type 3, also known as varicella-zoster virus. Classic side effects of the syndrome include dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus, and partial paralysis of the facial muscles. Other symptoms may include dry eyes and mouth, partial loss of taste, and a rash in the mouth or ear canal.

Symptoms of the syndrome occur when the varicella-zoster virus infects the facial nerves that are located near the inner ear. These nerves are called geniculate ganglia and are partially responsible for sensation and movement in the face, ear, ear canal, tongue, eyes, and mouth. While the classic form of this syndrome typically includes a rash, there is a similar condition where the rash does not commonly appear. This is Bell’s palsy, the most common symptom of which is weakness of the facial muscles.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is typically treated with a combination of medications to reduce pain and inflammation and prevent symptoms from worsening. It should be noted that due to the involvement of a herpes-type virus, there is no permanent way to prevent the syndrome. Herpes viruses cannot be completely eliminated from the body, as they are able to enter dormant periods in the nervous system. Whenever a person with the virus experiences an outbreak of active infection, they run the risk of developing symptoms of the syndrome.

The symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome are most often treated with medications. Oral corticosteroids are used to try and reduce the severity of the inflammation, but because steroids dampen the immune response, their use may be avoided during times of active viral infection. During such periods, oral antiviral agents such as acyclovir are given to reduce the severity of symptoms and limit the period of active viral infection.

While it is not possible to completely prevent an active virus outbreak from recurring, permanent nerve damage can be prevented as long as treatment with steroids and antivirals is started quickly. If medications can be given within three days of the onset of facial muscle paralysis, a patient has a 75% chance of a full recovery. If treatment is delayed, however, the chance of preventing permanent nerve damage increases dramatically.

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