Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Shingles of the facial nerve near the ear

Overview

Ramsay Hunt syndrome, also called herpes zoster oticus, occurs when the varicella zoster virus, the virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles, reactivates in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. It causes a painful blistering rash in or around the ear, together with weakness of the facial muscles on the same side. Hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo may occur because the nearby vestibulocochlear nerve can be involved. It is named after the American neurologist James Ramsay Hunt, who described it in 1907. Early antiviral and anti inflammatory treatment is commonly used, and recovery varies.