Ramsay Hunt Syndrome(Herpes Zoster Oticus)
by
Michael Jubinville, MPH DefinitionRamsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is a disorder from an infection of facial nerves. It can affect the ear, mouth, face, neck, and scalp. It results in a painful rash of the ears or mouth.
CausesThe varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes RHS. The virus is the same one that causes chickenpox and shingles. It stays in the body even after the illness has passed. In some, it can reactivate and cause RHS. Risk FactorsHere are some factors that may raise your risk of RHS:
SymptomsRHS may cause:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A diagnosis can often be made based on history and physical exam. Lab tests may need to be done to confirm shingles or find other causes. TreatmentYou may not need treatment if your symptoms are mild. You may need care for moderate or severe symptoms. It can reduce your discomfort and shorten the time you are sick. You may be given:
You may need treatment for other symptoms. For example, you may need eye care if the infection is making it hard to completely close your eyes. PreventionThe herpes zoster vaccine may lower the chances of getting shingles, including RHS. The vaccine is advised for most people aged 50 years and older. It is also advised for people with a weakened immune system. They have a higher risk of getting shingles. RESOURCES:National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov National Organization for Rare Disorders https://rarediseases.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation http://www.cnsfederation.org Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:About shingles (herpes zoster). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated October 17, 2017. Accessed June 12, 2018.
Herpes zoster. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113997/Herpes-zoster
. Updated February 19, 2018. Accessed June 12, 2018.
Herpes zoster oticus. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. Available at: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/gard/7525/herpes-zoster-oticus/case/28741/case-questions. Updated August 19, 2016. Accessed June 12, 2018. NINDS herpes zoster oticus information page. National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Herpes-Zoster-Oticus-Information-Page. Updated May 24, 2017. Accessed June 12, 2018. Sweeney CJ, Gilden DH. Ramsay Hunt syndrome. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2001;71(2):149-154. Last reviewed May 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Rimas Lukas, MD Last Updated: 6/12/2018 |
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