Diseases

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

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Ramsay hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) occurs when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of your ears. In addition to the painful shingles rash, ramsay hunt syndrome can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear.

SYMPTOMS

A painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters on, in and around one ear.
Facial weakness or paralysis on the same side as the affected ear.

CAUSES

It is caused by reactivation of herpes zoster virus that has previously caused chickenpox in the patient. Ramsay hunt syndrome results in paralysis of the facial muscles on the same side of the face as the infection. So, the virus infects the facial nerve that normally controls the muscles on one side of the face.