This is a condition in which an outbreak of shingles negatively affects the facial nerve near one of the ears. It is known as Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and it can also provoke facial paralysis and hearing problems along with painful shingles rash.
This syndrome happens due to the same virus (varicella-zoster virus) that causes chickenpox. This virus continues to live in the nerves even after chickenpox has gone. Over time it may reactivate and impact the facial nerve.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent complications that may occur due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome. These include permanent weakness of the facial muscle, deafness, and others.
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of this syndrome include a painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters (usually appearing in and near the affected ear) and facial weakness or paralysis on the side of the affected ear. Moreover, previous symptoms usually happen simultaneously. Check below other Ramsay Hunt syndrome symptoms:
- Hearing loss
- Difficulty closing one eye
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Ear pain
- Vertigo (a feeling of spinning or moving)
- Taste change (such as loss of taste)
- Dry eyes and mouth
It is advised to contact your doctor immediately if facial paralysis or a shingles rash happens on the face. In case the treatment begins within 3 days of the start of the symptoms, it is possible to prevent complications.
Causes
This syndrome usually occurs in people who have had chickenpox because the virus causing this condition continues to live in the body even after treatment. Sometimes, it may reactivate and provoke shingles (quite painful rash with fluid-filled blisters). Therefore, an outbreak of shingles impacts the facial nerve causing this syndrome.
Risk Factors
Anyone who suffers from chickenpox can develop this syndrome. However, it commonly happens in older people (over 60 years old). Moreover, Ramsay Hunt syndrome can also occur in children but rarely.
This condition is not contagious but the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus can provoke chickenpox in people who previously do not have it or have been vaccinated. This infection is considered quite serious, especially for people with weakened immune systems. Furthermore, it is advised to avoid physical contact with the following people until the rash blisters scab over. These people include:
- Newborns
- Anyone with a weakened immune system
- People who never had chickenpox
- Pregnant women
Complications
- Long-term hearing loss and facial weakness – Usually, hearing loss and paralysis of the facial muscle is temporary for people but sometimes it may become permanent, especially without treatment.
- Eye damage – The facial weakness may cause difficulties in closing the eyelid, which often leads to cornea damage. As a result, you may experience eye pain and blurred vision.
- Postherpetic neuralgia – This health condition occurs when shingles damage nerve fibers. As a result, messages sent by these nerves become exaggerated and confused, leading to long-lasting pain even after Ramsay Hunt syndrome symptoms disappear.
Prevention
Nowadays, newborns are vaccinated against chickenpox, which significantly reduces the risk of becoming infected with this virus. Moreover, shingles vaccine is recommended for people over 50 years old.
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers usually diagnose this syndrome according to medical history, physical examination, and symptoms. Sometimes, to confirm the condition, physicians may take a sample of the ear fluid for testing.
Treatment
Treatment for Ramsay Hunt syndrome helps to lessen pain and reduce the risk of permanent complications. Check below some medicines usually prescribed by doctors for people with this syndrome:
- Anti-anxiety medicines – For example, Diazepam to relieve vertigo.
- Painkillers – Doctors recommend these medicines if the patient experiences severe pain due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
- Corticosteroids – Sometimes, short-term high doses of corticosteroids may improve the effect of antiviral medications used to treat Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
- Antiviral drugs – These include Famciclovir, Valacyclovir, or Acyclovir.
Self Care
Check below some tips that could help to lessen the discomfort caused by this syndrome:
- Maintain rash areas clean regularly
- To lessen rash pain, you can use a cool and wet compress
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) medications or anti-inflammatory medicines (such as Ibuprofen). However, before taking any OTC medicine, consult with your healthcare professional.
- It is also advised to use moisturizing eye drops to help close eyelids.
- Apply an ointment to the eye or wear an eye patch during nighttime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cause of Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
This syndrome occurs due to a virus (varicella-zoster virus) that also provokes chickenpox in children and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults.
What are factors that could elevate the risk of Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
The following factors increase the risk of herpes zoster as well as of Ramsay Hunt syndrome. For example:
- Infections
- Malnutrition
- Chemotherapy
- Weakened immune system
- Stress
Discuss with your doctor for more details.
What can happen if a person with Ramsay Hunt syndrome does not receive treatment?
Those who do not get treatment within 72 hours after symptoms start, may experience permanent facial muscle weakness and deafness. Ask your healthcare professional if you have additional questions.
