10 Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Symptoms

By carolynne

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.' NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/ramsay-hunt-syndrome/
• 2. 'Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.' Mount Sinai Health System, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/ramsay-hunt-syndrome
• 3. 'Tinnitus.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Feb. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156
• 4. 'Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.' Ramsay Hunt Syndrome | DermNet NZ, dermnetnz.org/topics/ramsay-hunt-syndrome/
• 5. Otolaryngology⁠ — Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS). 'Synkinesis.' Otolaryngology⁠ - Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS), med.stanford.edu/ohns/OHNS-healthcare/facialnervecenter/conditions-we-treat/synkinesis.html

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The same virus that causes chickenpox is responsible for shingles and Ramsay Hunt syndrome in adults. This virus, called varicella-zoster, lies dormant within adults, and when reactivated, it affects the facial nerve.⁴‘Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.’ Ramsay Hunt Syndrome | DermNet NZ, dermnetnz.org/topics/ramsay-hunt-syndrome/ Ramsay Hunt syndrome causes paralysis of the facial nerve and is considered a rare condition.

The condition mainly affects individuals over the age of sixty and typically lasts for a few weeks, provided there isn't too much nerve damage. Ramsay Hunt syndrome can cause blistering rashes in the ear canal, mild hearing loss and unilateral facial paralysis. In extremely rare cases, some individuals may experience long-term damage to nerve fibers.

Rash On Outer Ear

Individuals with Ramsay Hunt syndrome frequently report the occurrence of a rash on the ear where there's cartilage and skin. The rash is characterized by a crop of tiny blisters that are reddish in color and can be incredibly painful.

Some people with the syndrome also experience a rash in their mouth and soft palate. However, the areas most commonly affected by the distinctive rash are the ear lobe, helix and external ear canal.¹‘Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.’ NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/ramsay-hunt-syndrome/ In most cases, the rash tends to be unilateral and appears on the same side of the face as other symptoms related to Ramsay Hunt syndrome.