Ramsay Hunt syndrome (viral infection causing facial weakness)

Description

A brain and nervous system disorder which occurs when the reactivated varicella zoster virus (chicken pox virus) causes specific symptoms in adults. Reactivation of this virus is also known as herpes zoster. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is an infection, whichspecifically affects one or more nerves near the inner ear. The affected persons experience painful muscle numbness on the one side of the face, pain in the ear, loss of hearing or ringing in the ear (tinnitus).

Symptoms

Loss of hearing in one ear. Appearance of painful blisters, rash inside the ear channel, on the ear drum, on the tongue and/or on the palate. It occurs on the same side where also facial numbness is, if the infection has involved the face. Patient experiences vertigo, facial weakness with the difficulties to close one eye, facial drop on the one side.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done, including an ear examination. Various imaging procedures are being performed which should exclude other causes of the symptoms.

Tests

CT scan and MRI-magnetic resonance imaging.

Additional analyses

EMG-electromyography.

Specialists

General Practice, Internal Medicine, Neurology

Therapy

Treatment includes antiviral drugs (acyclovir, famciclovir), steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (brufen/ibuprofen) and painkillers. Covering of the eye may prevent the drying out of the cornea.