Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a complication of varicella-zoster virus infections, including chickenpox or shingles (herpes zoster). Other names for the condition include herpes zoster oticus and Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2. It got its name when an American army officer and neurologist named James Ramsay Hunt first described the disorder in 1907.

If you had chickenpox as a child, the virus that caused it (varicella-zoster virus) can remain inactive (dormant) in your nerves for years. Shingles occurs when the previously dormant varicella-zoster virus reactivates. The reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in your facial nerve is called Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome causes facial nerve paralysis (facial palsy) and intense ear pain. In addition, it may cause a painful rash on your ear, face or mouth.

Who does Ramsay Hunt syndrome affect?

Ramsay Hunt syndrome can affect anyone who’s had chickenpox or shingles. Most cases occur in people age 60 and older. The condition rarely affects children but has been diagnosed as young as three years old. People who are immunocompromised are more likely to be affected and generally experience more severe symptoms. They’re also less likely to have a complete recovery.

How rare is Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

Ramsay Hunt syndrome affects about 5 out of every 100,000 people each year in the U.S.

However, some researchers think the condition is sometimes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This makes its true frequency more difficult to determine.

The disorder is the second most common cause of facial nerve paralysis, accounting for about 7% of all cases. Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of facial nerve paralysis.