ramsay hunt syndrome
Ramsay Hunt syndrome, also known as herpes zoster oticus , is a viral infection that occurs when the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles) affects the facial nerve and the vestibulocochlear nerve in the ear. This syndrome is named after James Ramsay Hunt, who described the condition in the early 20th century. Here are some key points about Ramsay Hunt syndrome: **1. Symptoms :** - Ramsay Hunt syndrome is characterized by a combination of symptoms, including a painful rash around the ear, earache, facial paralysis , and in some cases, hearing loss or dizziness. - The rash is often accompanied by small fluid-filled blisters , and it typically affects the external ear canal, outer ear, and sometimes the mouth and throat. **2. Facial Paralysis:* * - One of the hallmark features of Ramsay Hunt syndrome is facial paralysis on the same side as the rash . The facial nerve, which controls facial muscles, is affected by the viral infection, le