Introduction
Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the geniculate ganglion of the seventh cranial nerve.
Epidemiology
- Incidence: 3.00 cases per 100,000 person-years
- Peak incidence: 70+ years
- Sex ratio: 1:1
| Condition | Relative incidence |
|---|---|
| Bell's palsy | 7.67 |
| Ramsay Hunt syndrome | 1 |
| <1 | 1-5 | 6+ | 16+ | 30+ | 40+ | 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+ |
Clinical features
Features
- auricular pain is often the first feature
- facial nerve palsy
- vesicular rash around the ear
- other features include vertigo and tinnitus
Management
Management
- oral aciclovir and corticosteroids are usually given