NINDS Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Type I Information Page: NINDS

Article title: NINDS Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Type I Information Page: NINDS
Main condition: Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Type I
Conditions: Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Type I

What is Ramsay Hunt SyndromeType I?
Ramsay Hunt syndrome type I, also known as herpes zoster oticus, is a common complication of shingles. Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox and represents a reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster virus. Ramsay Hunt syndrome type I, which is caused by the spread of the varicella-zoster virus to facial nerves, is characterized by intense ear pain, a rash around the ear, mouth, face, neck, and scalp, and paralysis of facial nerves. Other symptoms may include hearing loss, vertigo (abnormal sensation of movement), and tinnitus (abnormal sounds). Taste loss in the tongue and dry mouth and eyes may also occur.

Is there any treatment?
Some cases of Ramsay Hunt syndrome type I do not require treatment. When treatment is needed, medications such as antiviral drugs or corticosteroids may be prescribed. Vertigo may be treated with the drug diazepam.

What is the prognosis?
Generally, the prognosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome type I is good. However, in some cases, hearing loss may be permanent. Vertigo may last for days or weeks. Facial paralysis may be temporary or permanent.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research on shingles and shingles-related conditions. Current studies focus on the relationship between the persistence of neurotropic viruses and development of neurological diseases including herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses.

Selected references

Berkow, R (ed).
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy: General Medicine vol. I, 16th edition, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, p. 171 (1992)

Berkow, R (ed).
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy: Specialties vol. II, 16th edition, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, p. 850 (1992)

Bradley, W, et al (eds).
Neurology in Clinical Practice: The Neurological Disorders vol. II, 2nd edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, Boston, p. 1717 (1996)

Magalini, S, et al (eds).
Dictionary of Medical Syndromes 4th edition, J.B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia, pp. 388-389 (1997)

Mueke, M, and Amedee, R.
Herpes Zoster Oticus: Diagnosis and Management Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society, 145:8; 333-335 (August 1993)

Uri, N, et al.
Herpes Zoster Oticus: Treatment With Acyclovir Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 101; 161-162 (1992)

Wayman, D, et al.
Audiological Manifestations of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 104; 104-108 (February 1990)

Organizations

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
(100 Route 37)
New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel: 203-746-6518 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-746-6481

Office of Rare Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Bldg. 31, Rm. 1B19
Bethesda, MD 20892-2084
sg18b@nih.gov
http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/ord
Tel: 301-402-4336

This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

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