Ramsay Hunt Syndrome II (formerly known as)

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Herpes Zoster Oticus?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations

What is Herpes Zoster Oticus?

Herpes zoster oticus, also called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome or Ramsay Hunt Syndrome type II, 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. Herpes zoster oticus, 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 herpes zoster oticus 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 herpes zoster oticus 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.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

Organizations

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) National Institutes of Health, DHHS 31 Center Drive, MSC 2320 Bethesda, MD 20892-2320 nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov http://www.nidcd.nih.gov Tel: 301-496-7243/800-241-1044 800-241-1055 (TTD/TTY)	National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 1968 (55 Kenosia Avenue) Danbury, CT 06813-1968 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291
Office of Rare Diseases National Institutes of Health, DHHS 6100 Executive Blvd., 3B01, MSC 7518 Bethesda, MD 20892-7518 http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov Tel: 301-402-4336

Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Return to top

Last updated February 14, 2007

This information has been provided by The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Retreived on 8/6/2007