What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome, how serious is it, and how is it treated?

Ramsay Hunt syndrome arises when the herpes zoster virus affects the facial nerve near one ear. In addition to the painful rash, it can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear.

The syndrome arises from the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from smallpox, the virus remains in the nerves of the infected person, and may become active again after years.

Causes of the syndrome

People who have had chickenpox can develop Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Once the chickenpox recovers, the virus remains in the body and sometimes reactivates in later years, causing shingles and a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters.

Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop Ramsay Hunt syndrome. The condition is more common in older adults and usually affects people over the age of 60, and children rarely get it.

symptoms

The syndrome causes ear pain and hearing loss, as well as ringing in the ears. It also makes it difficult for the patient to close his eye on the affected side, and weakness or paralysis of the face on the same side of the affected ear.

Among the symptoms of “Ramsay Hunt” is the patient’s feeling of dizziness or difficulty moving, in addition to dry mouth and eyes, and a change in the sense of taste or loss.

How to prevent it

Children are now routinely vaccinated against chickenpox, which greatly reduces the chance of contracting the chickenpox virus, and the shingles vaccine is recommended for people 50 years of age and older.

Is there a cure for her?

Prompt treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome can reduce the risk of complications, which may include permanent weakness of the facial muscles and deafness.

Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex), often help fight the chickenpox virus.

Doctors say that a short-term regimen of high-dose prednisone enhances the effect of antiviral drugs in Ramsay Hunt syndrome, as well as taking anti-anxiety drugs that can help relieve vertigo.