User:Mr. Ibrahem/Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2

Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2, also known as herpes zoster oticus, typically presents with one sided facial paralysis, ear pain, and small blisters near or in the external ear canal. In some, no or only blisters in the mouth occur. This may be preceded by tiredness and fever. Other symptoms may include dry eye, change in taste, trouble speaking, world spinning, or hearing loss.

It is caused by a reactivation of varicella zoster virus (chickenpox) in the geniculate ganglion, a nerve cell bundle of the facial nerve. Triggers may include physiological stress or an immunocompromised state. Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms; though testing the blisters may be supportive. It is a type of shingles.

Treatment generally includes valacyclovir and prednisone. Efforts to protect the eye from drying out include using eye lubricant during the day and taping the eye closed at night. The shingles vaccine may help prevent the condition. About 70% of people regain near normal facial function, though recovery may require months. Other complications may include postherpetic neuralgia.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2 affects about 5 per 100,000 people per year. While it occurs most commonly in peoples 70s and 80s, any age can be affected. The condition was first described in 1907 by James Ramsay Hunt, after who it is named.