Ramsay hunt syndrome: A case report

Abstract Background: Ramsay-Hunt syndrome (RSH) is a rare clinical condition characterized by herpes zoster oticus and ipslilateral facial nerve paralysis caused by reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus( VZV ) in the sensory root of geniculate ganglia. This syndrome must be distinguished from other causes of facial palsy such as Bell’s palsy, stroke, Lyme disease and malignancies. Accurate dignosis and treatment in the first 72 hours of are crucial to improve the prognosis and to prevent later complications including postherpetic neuralgia and corneal damage. Case Report: A 72-year-old female without any past medical history was admitted to emergency center of Vali Asr Hospital in Zanjan with hearing loss, ererythematous papules on the right external ear, otalgia, vertigo and dysgeusia. One day after hospitalization, the patient developed unilateral right-sided facial palsy and crusted erythematous papules on the right external ear. Conclusion: Ramsay-Hunt syndrome is an uncommon peripheral neuropathy of the facial nerve caused by reactivation of VZV in the geniculate ganglion. Most cases occur in immunocompromised and elderly. Pharmacological interventions can reduce recovery time and prevent complications. Specialists are not unanimous on the choice of medication, dosage and the duration of therapy, thus more research is warranted.