Saturday 16 October 2010

MRCP revision battle 31.7: Ramsey Hunt Syndrome

Ramsey Hunt Syndrome is the reactivation of varicella zoster in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve.  


It is characterised by:
  • herpes zoster oticus (=herpetic eruption in external auditory meatus)
  • facial nerve palsy
  • +/- deafness, tinnitus and vertigo


Treatment is with oral antivirals