From the Guidelines
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is characterized by severe otalgia, facial paralysis or paresis, loss of taste on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and decreased lacrimation on the involved side, and its management involves prompt systemic antiviral therapy and systemic steroids. The syndrome typically presents with vesicles on the external ear canal and posterior surface of the auricle, and patients may experience a range of symptoms including ear pain, hearing loss, and difficulty closing one eye 1. The varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles, is the underlying cause of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and its reactivation in the facial nerve leads to the symptoms associated with the condition.
Some key symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome include:
- Severe otalgia
- Facial paralysis or paresis
- Loss of taste on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue
- Decreased lacrimation on the involved side
- Vesicles on the external ear canal and posterior surface of the auricle
- Ear pain
- Hearing loss
- Difficulty closing one eye
Treatment for Ramsay Hunt syndrome typically involves antiviral medications and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms 1. Early treatment within 72 hours of symptom onset is crucial for optimal recovery, and patients may also require pain management with analgesics and protection of the affected eye with lubricating drops and eye patches at night.
It is essential to note that Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be mistaken for other conditions, such as acute otitis externa or temporomandibular joint syndrome, and a thorough diagnosis is necessary to ensure appropriate treatment 1. A complete head and neck examination, including visualization of the mucosal surfaces and assessment of any neck masses, is recommended to rule out other potential causes of symptoms.
From the Research
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Symptoms
The symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome are not explicitly listed in the provided studies, but the studies discuss the treatment and recovery of the syndrome.
- Facial paralysis is a common symptom, with studies showing that early treatment with acyclovir-prednisone can lead to complete recovery in 75% of patients if treatment is begun within 3 days of onset 2.
- Hearing loss is also a symptom, with studies suggesting that early treatment can lead to better hearing recovery 2.
Treatment and Recovery
- The treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome with acyclovir-prednisone has been shown to be effective, with early administration reducing nerve degeneration and leading to better recovery rates 2.
- A comparison of acyclovir and famciclovir for the treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome found that famciclovir had a higher complete recovery rate, especially in patients without hypertension and diabetes mellitus 3.
- Acyclovir has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, with an overall recovery rate of 82.6% in one study 4.