Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Varicella zoster virus (Type III herpes) often present with complications like post-herpetic neuralgia or Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. Any patient who got chicken pox can develop these complications.

Patients who got this Ramsay Hunt Syndrome as a complication develop multiple complaints like,

1) Facial Weakness (Bell's Palsy)

2) Loss of taste sensation

3) Dizziness

4)Unilateral vesicles on ear

5)vesicles on palate and oral mucosa

                                                                

Fig: Pictorial illustration of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

HOW TO TREAT?

Treated with corticosteroids and Anti-viral. Better results are achieved when anti-virals are given within three days of onset of disease.

Depending on other symptoms, further treatment may be required like analgesics and vertigo suppressants. 

Patients with facial palsy should be careful about their cornea.

THE BOTTOM LINE.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome can lead to permanent facial palsy or deafness. So, early diagnosis and treatment is crucial for better prognosis.