Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is the reactivation of varicella zoster in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve.
It is characterised by:
- herpes zoster oticus (=herpetic eruption in external auditory meatus)
- facial nerve palsy
- +/- deafness, tinnitus and vertigo
Treatment is with oral antivirals and prednisolone.
The prognosis is less good than for Bell’s Palsy – patients are less likely to make a full recovery.
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