Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a viral infection that combines facial palsy and pinnal vesicular rash.

Objectives: To detail diagnostic criteria, treatment and prognosis in Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

Patients and methods: A retrospective study of 15 patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome admitted to the ENT department of La Rabta Hospital (Tunis) from 2003 to 2009.

Results: The main presenting symptom was facial palsy associated with conchal vesicular rash. House-Brackmann classification of facial nerve function ranged from III to V. All patients were treated with acyclovir and corticosteroids. Mean follow-up was 8 months. Ten patients showed improvement in facial palsy, four had permanent palsy and one moved from grade IV to grade III.

Conclusion: Ramsay Hunt syndrome involves severe dysfunction, with poorer facial nerve prognosis than in Bell's palsy.