DZ9

[DZ9]

I went to the emergency room with facial numbness, SEVERE ear pain, hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo.  I was recently diagnosed with Ramsey Hunt Syndrome (without the rash).  I was put on steroids, acyclovir, and Neurontin.  I have been on these meds for four days and my hearing loss does not seem to be getting any better. In fact it seems to be worse.  Also, the facial numbness comes and goes.  Today I feel the numbness has gone to the right side of my face.  I had a CT scan in the emergency room and they say that it was clear.  I do not have any facial drooping but as stated above I do have hearing loss, facial numbness and occasional ear pain.  Will my hearing come back and the numbness subside? any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.  

[ill13632]

how do you get treatment for Ramsey Hunt syndrome, I couldn't find a neurologists easily to treat my terrible Bell's palsy

[ill13632]

I started 80mg a day of prednisone for about 10 days with a taper this is supposed to work for the hearing loss according to a professor friend I asked

[ill13632]

I have terrible hearing loss and aphasia, inability to understand speech or focus on speech and problems pronouncing words.  I'm really worried I won't be able to work or study anymore
Is this RH, I ran to the ER and they gave me 7 days of valtrex.

[goodbird]

I was struck with ramsey hunt 8 years ago.  I had pain, numbness, facial drooping, eye not closing -- the works --  on one side of my face.  My hearing came back after a long time - months, I think.  My nerves did not grow back correctly and my face is partially paralyzed and moves strangely  (when I open my mouth widely, my eye closes, etc).  I still have numbness, but much less than before.  

I also had a distant friend that had RH.  Although she had no long term facial problems, her hearing in one ear did not come back.  She does not have any numbness anymore.  
It was a very slow process and it sucks.  Hand in there.