What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

• Ramsay Hunt syndrome arises when shingles affects the facial nerve near one of a person’s ears.
• It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and can induce facial paralysis.
• The syndrome can cause irreversible hearing loss and facial weakness, as well as eye damage.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome, also known as herpes zoster oticus, arises when shingles affects the facial nerve near one of a person’s ears, according to Mayo Clinic.

It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and can induce facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear.

The virus remains dormant in a person’s nerves after chickenpox, with the potential to reactivate years later.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome can affect anyone who has had chickenpox, however it is more common in persons over the age of 60.

Read more: Justin Bieber reveals Ramsay Hunt syndrome left his face half-paralyzed

A painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters on, in, or around one ear, as well as facial weakness or paralysis on the same side as the affected ear, are all symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

Ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, difficulty shutting one eye, vertigo, dry mouth and eyes, and a change in taste perception or lack of flavour are all possible symptoms of the illness.

Although the virus is not communicable, reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus can induce chickenpox in persons who have never had the disease or been vaccinated against it.

Persons with immune system difficulties should avoid physical contact with those people, as well as anyone who has never had chickenpox or received the vaccine, newborns, and pregnant women, until the rash blisters scab up, according to the clinic.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome can cause irreversible hearing loss and facial weakness, as well as eye damage and postherpetic neuralgia, which occurs when nerve fibres are damaged by shingles.

Antiviral drugs, corticosteroids, anti-anxiety medications, and pain relievers are among the treatments that can help lower the risk of problems.

The shingles vaccine is recommended for persons 50 and older, and youngsters are now routinely vaccinated against chickenpox, considerably lowering the risk of infection.