How to understand Ramsey Hunt Syndrome

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome also known as Herpes Zoster Oticus and Hunt's Syndrome is a herpes zoster virus infection that affects the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. The virus becoming active again in a person that had chickenpox at an earlier date causes Ramsey Hunt Syndrome. In many cases, paralysis of the facial muscles will occur on the same side that a person had chickenpox. Actually, the syndrome attacks the nerve that controls the face.

Ramsey Hunt Syndrome itself is not contagious; however, the herpes zoster virus that is present in the blisters of the rash can be spread to others. Once the virus is spread, it can lead to chickenpox for any individual that has not been vaccinated against the disease. Due to the complications that occur with chickenpox, individuals that are pregnant, newborns, or have never had chickenpox should not be exposed to a person with Ramsey Hunt Syndrome.

Symptoms of Ramsey Hunt Syndrome

•  Red painful rash

•  Blisters in the ears

•  Blisters in the mouth

•  Facial paralysis on one side of the face such as the mouth or eyelid

•  Ear pain

•  Loss of hearing

•  Dry eye

•  Dizziness

•  Change in taste

Prevention of Ramsey Hunt Syndrome

Ramsey Hunt Syndrome, chickenpox, and shingles can only be prevented or at least the symptoms reduced with the chickenpox vaccine. The vaccine is given to children during infancy and then is also administered to those over the age of 60 years of age if they have had chickenpox at some time during their lives.

Around 20% of individuals that had chickenpox are expected to develop shingles or Ramsey Hunt Syndrome without the vaccine.

Treatment of Ramsey Hunt Syndrome

The most common treatment for Ramsey Hunt Syndrome includes antiviral products such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir usually for 7 to 10 days along with pain relief medications such as Motrin or Tylenol.

Prognosis of Ramsey Hunt Syndrome

The prognosis is not often very good unless treatment is started early which does help with recovery and may help with the pain. Some complications are often seen after the onset of Ramsey Hunt Syndrome, which include such things as synkinesis, which is a condition that allows for inappropriate nerve responses such as a twitch, or blinking of the eye. Other problems can include damage to the eye or in some rare cases; the virus will spread to other nerves.