RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME - A CASE REPORT

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a rare complication of herpes zoster in which reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus infection in the geniculate ganglion causes otalgia, auricular vesicles and lower motor neuron facial palsy. A 52-year-old man presented to us with complaints of vesicular eruptions over the right pinna, otalgia and facial weakness i.e. deviation of the angle of mouth to the left side and inability to close the right eye from last 3 days. A diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome with grade V facial palsy was made. Intravenous acyclovir and oral steroids were started. Patient showed marked improvement within 10 days. For facial palsy, rehabilitation therapy was also given.