Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Medical Author: Charles Davis, MD, PhD
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome? What causes it?
• What are the symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
• How is Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosed?
• Is Ramsey Hunt syndrome contagious?
• How does Ramsay Hunt syndrome compare with Bell's palsy?
• How is Ramsay Hunt syndrome treated or prevented?
• What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
• Where can I find more information about Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome? What causes it?

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (also termed Hunt's Syndrome and herpes zoster oticus) is a herpes zoster virus infection of the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. 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 innervates controls the muscles of the face. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is typically associated with a red rash and blisters (inflamed vesicles or tiny water-filled sacks in the skin) in or around the ear and eardrum and sometimes on the roof of the mouth or tongue.

What are the symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

The classic symptom that clinically distinguishes Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a red painful rash associated with blisters in the ears or mouth and facial paralysis (for example, eyelid or mouth) on one side of the face. Other symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, dizziness (or vertigo), dry eye, and changes in taste sensation may also occur.

How is Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis of the syndrome is most often made by observing the symptoms described above (red painful rash with ear and or mouth blisters and one-sided facial paralysis). Also, a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) can be performed on the fluid from the blisters to demonstrate the viral genetic material, but this test is not done routinely.

Is Ramsey Hunt syndrome contagious?

The syndrome is not contagious; however, the herpes zoster virus that can be found in the blisters of Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be transmitted to other people and cause chickenpox in those that are unvaccinated against chickenpox. Individuals with Ramsay Hunt syndrome should avoid contact with newborns, pregnant women, immunodepressed individuals, and people with no history of chickenpox, at least until all the blisters change to scabs.