- Symptoms of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
- Diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
- Treatment of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, also known as herpes zoster of the ear, is an infection of the facial and auditory nerve that causes facial paralysis, hearing problems, vertigo and the appearance of red spots and blisters in the ear region.
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is caused by the herpes zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, which is asleep in a facial nerve ganglion and which in immunosuppressed individuals, diabetics, children or the elderly can reactivate, causing this syndrome.
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is not contagious, however, the herpes zoster virus that can be found in the blisters present near the ear can be transmitted to others and cause chickenpox in individuals who have not had the infection before.
Symptoms of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Symptoms of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome can be:
- Facial paralysis; Severe ear pain; Dizziness; Pain and head; Difficulty speaking; Fever; Dry eyes; Changes in taste.
At the beginning of the disease manifestation, small liquid-filled bubbles form in the outer ear and in the ear canal, which can also form on the tongue or roof of the mouth. Hearing loss in this infection can be permanent. Vertigo lasts from a few days to several weeks.
Diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
The diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is made based on the symptoms presented by the patient, together with the ear exam. Other tests, such as the Schirmer test, to assess tearing, or gustometry test, to assess taste, can also be performed. Some laboratory tests, such as PCR, can also be done to detect the presence of the virus.
The differential diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is made with diseases such as Bell's palsy, post-herpetic neuralgia or trigeminal neuralgia.
Treatment of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
The treatment of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is done with antiviral drugs, such as Acyclovir, and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prednisone. It is also indicated to take analgesics to relieve pain and Diazepam to control vertigo.
Surgical intervention can be important when there is compression of the facial nerve, which can relieve paralysis. Speech therapy helps to minimize the effects of infection on hearing and paralysis of facial muscles.
