Ramsay Hunt syndrome with unilateral polyneuropathy involving cranial nerves V, VII, VIII, and XII in a diabetic patient.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare complication of the varicella zoster virus, defined as a peripheral facial palsy that typically results from involvement of the facial and auditory nerves. Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be associated with cranial nerves V, VI, IX, and X but rarely with XII. We describe an atypical case of Ramsay Hunt syndrome with multiple cranial nerve involvement of nerves V, VII, VIII, and XII. Antiviral drugs, antibiotics, insulin, and traditional Chinese drugs were administered immediately after admission. After 3 months of combination therapy, the patient had recovered satisfactorily. Herpes zoster can cause severe infections in diabetic patients and should be treated as soon after detection as possible. Ramsay Hunt syndrome should be recognized as a polycranial neuritis characterized by damage to sensory and motor nerves. In addition to facial and vestibular nerve paralysis, Ramsay Hunt syndrome may also involve cranial nerves V and XII.
Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Wei-Lian
WL
Sun
Jian-Liang
JL
Yan
Li-Li
LL
Chen
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000821:virology*; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000821:virology*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005155:Facial Nerve Diseases / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D005907:Gliclazide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016697:Herpes Zoster Oticus / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D020437:Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases / Q000821:virology; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009443:Neuritis / Q000821:virology; D008517:Phytotherapy; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020433:Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / Q000821:virology; D000160:Vestibulocochlear Nerve Diseases / Q000821:virology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D012254:Ribavirin; D005907:Gliclazide