Ramsay Hunt syndrome

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Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Definition

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a disorder of the brain and nervous system (neurologic disorder) that occurs when a virus (varicella zoster) infects certain nerves in the head.

Alternative Names

Hunt syndrome; Herpes oticus

Causes

The varicella zoster virus causes both Ramsay Hunt syndrome and another common cause of facial weakness, Bell's palsy (in which there is no rash).

This virus is part of the family of human herpes viruses, which cause fever sores on the mouth and genital herpes. The varicella zoster virus also causes shingles and chickenpox.

In people with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, the virus is believed to infect the facial nerve near the inner ear. This leads to irritation and swelling.

Review Date: 2/6/2008
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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