What Is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?
Ramsay Hunt syndrome, also called
herpes zoster oticus or Ramsay Hunt syndrome type II, is a common complication of
shingles. Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes
chickenpox. Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox and represents a reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster virus.
Symptoms of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which is caused by the spread of the varicella-zoster virus to facial nerves, is characterized by:
- Intense ear pain
- A rash around the ear, mouth, face, neck, and scalp
- Paralysis of facial nerves.
Other symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome may include:
- Vertigo (abnormal sensation of movement)
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus (abnormal sounds)
- Taste loss in the tongue
- Dry mouth and eyes.