Facts about Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: Tips to treat this rare neurological disorder

Are you diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome? Then, it will require prompt management. Here's all you need to know about the right kind of treatment that can help one to improve the quality of life once you spot these signs and symptoms of this rare neurological disorder ...read more

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Updated on Jun 16, 2022 02:41 PM IST

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is a rare neurological disorder accompanied by paralysis of the facial nerve (facial palsy) and a rash affecting the ear or mouth but there is not much awareness regarding it. The varicella-zoster virus is the factor causing Ramsay Hunt syndrome and it is the same virus that leads to chickenpox and shingles. If one has this syndrome then the virus will infect the facial nerve near the inner ear which causes irritation and swelling of the nerve. It is seen in adults and occurs rarely in children. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pavan Pai, Interventional Neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, revealed, “The symptoms of it are ear pain, rash on the eardrum, ear canal, earlobe, tongue, and roof of the mouth on the side with the affected nerve, hearing loss on one side, vertigo, facial paralysis, and problems in opening the eyes.” (Twitter/DrAo94)

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According to Dr Pavan Pai, once you spot the signs and symptoms, you need to consult the doctor without any delay. He said, “To diagnose this condition, your treating doctor will suggest some tests. You will be asked to opt for blood tests for varicella-zoster virus, MRI of the head, and nerve conduction (to check for the damage to the facial nerve), and skin tests for the varicella-zoster virus. The doctor will thoroughly evaluate you, understand the symptoms, and then only suggest an appropriate test. Once you have been detected with this syndrome then your doctor will decide a proper line of treatment for you. You need to follow all the instructions given by the doctor.” (Twitter/ShenandoahWrit1)

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Talking about the treatment of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, Dr Pavan Pai shared that the patient will be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs called steroids, antiviral medicines and even painkillers in case the pain continues after taking steroids. (Unsplash)

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Dr Pavan Pai said, “You will be given eye lubricant to tackle any eye problems such as the inability to close the eyes or dry eyes. Using artificial tears can help you to protect the cornea. Other medications will be advised in case of dizziness.”  (Twitter/AlmnaByr)

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He added, “You will be asked to do facial exercises on a daily basis. Anti-anxiety medications will help in dealing with vertigo. Anti-seizure medicines may help reduce neuralgic pain.” (Istock)

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“If treatment is delayed for more than 3 days, then there can be a difficulty in complete recovery. At home, you need to keep the rashes-prone areas clean and use cool, wet compresses to the rash to ease the pain. Apply ointment to the eye or wear an eye patch. Your chances of recovery are good when you initiate treatment immediately after the symptoms appear,” Dr Pavan Pai concluded. (Unsplash)