[Diagnosis of Ramsey Hunt syndrome is both simple and difficult. The viral attack is more extensive than expected earlier].
In Ramsay Hunt's syndrome (herpes zoster of the head and neck in combination with facial palsy), the vesicles often appear on the external ear (herpes zoster oticus) but they can also be found on the exterior of the neck. Serologically verified cases without vesicles occur (zoster sine herpeticum). Complications from the eighth cranial nerve (hearing loss and vertigo) are common. MR and PCR studies show a more extensive viral attack than was earlier believed to be the case. Due to the risk of remaining cranial nerve dysfunctions, as exemplified in a case report, antiviral treatment is indicated, in severe cases combined with corticosteroids. The potential value of varicella vaccination to reduce zoster complications is discussed.
Hydén
D
D
Oronkliniken, Universitetssjukhuset, Linköping. dag.hyden@lio.se
Roberg
M
M
D000328:Adult; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000821:virology; D016697:Herpes Zoster Oticus / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011379:Prognosis; D000159:Vestibulocochlear Nerve / Q000473:pathology
D004279:DNA, Viral