Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a condition when the shingles virus affects the facial nerve that is close to the ear.
As well as appearing a painful rash on one side of the ear, this syndrome also causes facial paralysis on part of the face and hearing loss in the affected ear.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be treated effectively. However, in some people, facial muscle weakness and hearing loss can be permanent.
Reporting from Medical News Today, The Office of Rare Diseases classifies Ramsay Hunt Syndrome as a rare disease, with an occurrence of approximately 5 in every 100,000 people in the United States.
| Medical specialist | Neurologist, ear, nose and throat specialist |
| Symptoms | Rash near the ear, facial paralysis, difficulty closing eyes, lisp, hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo |
| risk factor | People over the age of 60, people with a weak immune system, have had chickenpox |
| diagnosis | Perform a series of diagnostic tests with the doctor, including blood tests, skin sampling tests, MRI |
| Treatment | Drug therapy |
| Drug | Antivirals, such as famciclovir or acyclovir; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine |
| Complications | Permanent hearing loss and facial paralysis, eye damage, and post-herpetic neuralgia |
| When to see a doctor? | Experiencing a rash on the ear and paralysis in part of the face |
Symptom
The most noticeable symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome are a rash near one or both ears and facial paralysis. Facial paralysis is seen on the side of the face affected by the rash.
When the face is paralyzed, the facial muscles may feel harder, stiffen or become difficult to control.
Herpes zoster can be seen as red blisters that are sometimes filled with pus. Symptoms of a rash in Ramsay Hunt syndrome can appear on the inside, outside or around the ear.
In some cases, nodules can also appear in the mouth, especially on the roof of the mouth or the top of the throat.
In other cases, a person may not have a rash but still have paralysis in part of the face.
Other symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome can also include:
- Pain in the ear
- Pain or discomfort in the neck
- Ringing sound in the ears, also known as tinnitus
- Hearing disorders
- Difficulty closing the eye on the affected side of the face
- vertigo
- Talk a bit slurred
Reason
The cause of Ramsay Hunt syndrome is Varicella zoster, the virus that also causes chickenpox and shingles ( shingles ).
After chickenpox is cured, the virus is still alive in the nerves. Years later, the virus can reactivate, affecting the facial nerves and triggering Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Risk Factors
There are several factors that can increase the risk of getting Ramsay Hunt syndrome, namely:
- Have ever had chickenpox
- This condition most often occurs in adults or people over the age of 60
- People with a low immune system
Diagnosis
To diagnose Ramsay Hunt syndrome, doctors can carry out several stages, such as:
- Medical interview and check medical history. The doctor will ask about the symptoms you are feeling and ask a number of questions, such as asking if there is a history of chickenpox or shingles
- Do a physical exam. The doctor will physically examine the patient to see the symptoms and check the parts affected by the syndrome
- Take a sample of the rash from the affected area to be checked in the laboratory
Other tests a doctor may order include:
- Blood test to check for the Varicella zoster virus
- Skin test to check for viruses
- Extraction of fluid in the spine for examination (lumbar puncture or spinal tap)
- Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI)
To get a diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, you may initially be treated by a general practitioner.
Then, the doctor may refer you to a neurologist or ear, nose, and throat specialist ( otolaryngologist ).
Treatment
For the treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, doctors will usually give antivirals, such as acyclovir or famciclovir. Antivirals can be prescribed together with prednisone or other corticosteroid injections.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, to reduce pain or anti-anxiety drugs, such as diazepam, to reduce vertigo symptoms.
Eye drops or similar liquids can also help keep the patient’s eyes moisturised and prevent corneal damage.
Apart from medical drug therapy, you can also relieve rashes at home by keeping it clean.
Use cold compresses to reduce pain. Taking pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help.
If facial weakness persists after medical treatment has finished, the doctor will usually recommend medical rehabilitation therapy to help regain proper use of the facial muscles.
Prevention
One way to prevent Ramsay Hunt syndrome is to get the chickenpox vaccine.
Children can already get the chickenpox vaccine regularly, to reduce the chance of being infected with the chickenpox virus.
The elderly or those aged over 50 years are also advised to get the herpes zoster vaccine to prevent infection and complications if exposed to the virus.
Complications
Ramsay Hunt syndrome that is treated late or not handled properly can cause:
Facial weakness and permanent hearing loss
In most patients, the hearing loss and facial paralysis associated with Ramsay Hunt syndrome is temporary. However, in some cases, the impairment can be permanent.
Eye damage
Facial weakness due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome can make it difficult for you to close your eyelids. When this happens, the cornea of the eye can be damaged. This condition can cause eye pain and blurred vision.
Neuralgia after herpes
This condition occurs when a herpes infection damages nerve fibers. In effect, the pain may last longer after other signs and symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome have faded.
When to See a Doctor?
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a rash and weakness or paralysis in part of the face. Proper treatment is the key to curing Ramsay Hunt syndrome.