Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs when herpes zoster infection affects the facial nerve near one of your ears. In addition to the painful shingles rash, this syndrome can also cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once healed chickenpox, the virus dormant in your nerves. Years later, may become active again. If the virus is active and affects the nerves of your face, it can cause Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

The two main signs of Ramsay Hunt syndrome is:

1. Painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters in and around the ear
2. Facial weakness or paralysis on the same side as the affected ear

Typically, rash and facial paralysis developed at the same time. But in some cases, the rash will occur before facial paralysis, or paralysis before the rash.

If you have Ramsay Hunt syndrome, you may also experience:
1. earache
2. hearing loss
3. ringing in the ears
4. Difficulty closing one eye
5. vertigo
6. Changes in taste or loss of taste perception 

Appropriate treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome can ease the pain and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Treatment may include antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) or valacyclovir (Valtrex), which often help combat the smallpox virus.

Your doctor may also give corticosteroids, medications such as diazepam (Valium) to relieve vertigo or pain medication to cope with the symptoms.