Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Alternative names:

Hunt's syndrome

Definition:

A disorder that occurs when herpes zoster lesions affect the nerves of the ear. The signs and symptoms include intense pain in the ear and mastoid bone (the bone behind the ear), paralysis of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), hearing loss, vertigo (abnormal sensation of movement), tinnitus (abnormal sounds), taste loss in two-thirds of the tongue, dry mouth, and dry eyes. Herpes-type lesions may be noted in and around the ear canal, ear drum, mouth, face, neck, and scalp. The treatment is mostly symptomatic (because herpes is a viral infection); analgesics may be needed for pain, which can be hard to relieve even after visible lesions are gone. Some permanent loss of function almost always remains.