Ramsay Hunt syndrome

What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

A rare infectious disease characterized by herpes zoster oticus associated with peripheral facial nerve palsy, often also with other cranial nerve lesions. Patients present with a painful erythematous vesicular rash in and around one ear and facial paralysis on the same side. Other frequent manifestations include hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and nystagmus.

Other condition names

  • Facial nerve palsy due to VZV
  • Facial nerve palsy due to herpes zoster infection
  • Facial nerve paralysis due to VZV

Inheritance type

Not applicable

Age of Onset

  • All ages
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