Occurring in around five out of every 100,000 people in the U.S. each year, Ramsay Hunt syndrome develops when the virus that causes shingles and chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus) reactivates in your system. This condition affects the nerves in your face and ears, causing temporary rashes, blisters, pain and facial paralysis. If not properly treated, these symptoms can become permanent. Speak with a neurology expert about Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms of Ramsay Hunt include the following:
- A red rash around one of your ears
- Fluid-filled blisters around one of your ears
- Hearing loss in the affected ear
- Ringing in the affected ear (tinnitus)
- Facial weakness on the same side as the affected ear
- Facial paralysis on the same side as the affected ear
- Damage to or issues controlling one of your eyes
- Sensation of falling or whirling while standing still (vertigo)
- Loss of your sense of taste
- Dry mouth and eyes
Because symptoms associated with Ramsay Hunt syndrome can get worse over time—or even become permanent—it’s important to seek prompt medical treatment.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Because Ramsay Hunt syndrome only develops in individuals who have had chickenpox or shingles at some point in their life, the best way to prevent the condition is to get vaccinated for the varicella-zoster virus. Someone with an active case of Ramsay Hunt syndrome should avoid contact with anyone who has never had chickenpox or shingles. They should also avoid pregnant women, newborn children, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
How We Diagnose Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Our experts use the following procedures to diagnose Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
- Physical Exam: In most cases, our experts can accurately diagnose Ramsay Hunt syndrome based on the physical symptoms of the condition. We will examine the rash and blisters around your ear, as well as any other symptoms present on your face, including paralysis and eye damage.
- Fluid Testing: Our experts may also extract some fluid from one of the blisters in or around your ear for analysis in a pathology lab. They may also test your saliva and blood, which could help to rule out other conditions.
Treatment Options
Receiving prompt treatment by neurology experts can prevent the symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome from becoming permanent. In most cases, a combination of medications may be prescribed to treat the condition and address physical symptoms.
Antiviral medication (acyclovir or valacyclovir) can be used to treat the infection, while corticosteroids (prednisone) can reduce inflammation, and anti-seizure medication (carbamazepine) can address ongoing pain. Additional drugs may be prescribed to further reduce pain or treat the symptoms of vertigo. Our experts will also advise some at-home remedies to help limit discomfort, such as using a cold compress.
Schedule an appointment to speak with a neurologist about Ramsay Hunt syndrome, or learn more about neurological conditions treated at Bayhealth.