ramsey hunt syndrome

Question 1

What is ramsay hunt syndrome ?

Answer 1

a complication of shingles/chickenpox reactivation

= a painful rash affecting the facial nerve

Question 2

What causes ramsay hunt syndrome ?

Answer 2

the VZV virus lives in the nerves since recovery after chickenpox as a child

a weakened immune response or stress can cause reactivation of the VZV virus, causing ramsay hunt syndrome

Question 3

What are the symptoms of ramsay hunt syndrome ?

Answer 3

• painful ‘burning’ rash on outer ear, scalp/hairline or soft palate
• facial weakness on one side
• difficulty closing eye on affected side
• hearing loss on affected side
• dizziness/vertigo
• tinnitus on affected side
• altered taste on affected side of tongue

Question 4

is ramsay hunt syndrome contagious ?

Answer 4

no, you cannot catch RHS from an infected person

can develop chickenpox from open rash/blister if not already immune to chickenpox

Question 5

How is ramsay hunt syndrome diagnosed ?

Answer 5

• thorough Hx
• examining facial nerve
• blood tests for VZV antibodies
• MRI to assess inflammation and exclude other differentials

Question 6

What is the treatment for ramsay hunt syndrome ?

Answer 6

• antivirals (e.g acyclovir)
• high dose steroids (short course)
• analgesia

Question 7

How quickly must antiviral meds be given to someone with ramsay hunt syndrome for best chance of recovery ?

Answer 7

within 72hrs of symptom onset

Question 8

What is recovery prognosis like for ramsay hunt syndrome ?

Answer 8

• 70% fully recover within a few months if antiviral meds given within 72hrs
• 50% fully recover within a few months if meds not given within 72hr window

the more severe the damage. the longer it takes to recover and less likely full recovery is

Question 9

Is there always a rash in ramsay hunt syndrome ?

Answer 9

not always ! but usually