Ramsay Hunt Syndrome- Causes, Complications, Symptoms, and Treatment
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a medical complication that occurs due to the viral infection in a nerve in the head caused by Varicella-Zoster virus. The syndrome causes a painful rash around the ear, mouth or on the face. Mainly, adults are affected by this syndrome however, it is rarely observed in children.
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Causes
- The Syndrome is caused by the same virus which causes Shingles and Chickenpox.
- People having Ramsay Hunt Sydrome are believed to have infected facial nerve near the inner ear.
- The syndrome causes irritation and swelling of the infected nerve.
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Symptoms
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome symptoms are mentioned below:
- In-Ear pain and one side hearing loss.
- Affected person may feel rash on ear drum, ear lobe, tongue, nouth roof on the affected nerve side.
- Spinning sensation of things around.
- Weekness on the affected side causig difficulty in eye closing, chewing, face movements, etc.
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Lab Examinations and Tests
- Blood Test
- EMG
- Lumbar Puncture
- MRI for Head
- Nerve Conduction
- Skin Tests
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Recovery
Generally, patients are provided with strong anti-inflamatory and anti-viral drugs including Prednisone, Acyclovir etc. Patients may also be given pain killers if the pain is not disappearing.
Care must be taken to prevent any damage to the eye caused by Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. Patients are advised to wear eye patch to prevent damage to cornea. Patients may also need to use artificial tears, lubricants to close the eye at night and during the day to keep the eye wet inside.
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Possible Complications
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome may cause the below complications to the affected person:
- Changes in face appearance
- change in taste
- Persistent pain
- Abnormal movements in affected area
- Face muscle or eye lid spasm
- Limb Weekness
- Headache
- Nerve pain
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