Ramsay Hunt syndrome

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Complications of Ramsay Hunt syndrome may include:

  • Permanent hearing loss and facial weakness. For most people, the hearing loss and facial paralysis associated with Ramsay Hunt syndrome is temporary. However, it can become permanent for some people.
  • Eye damage. The facial weakness caused by Ramsay Hunt syndrome may make it difficult for you to close your eyelid. Incomplete eyelid closure can lead to damage of the protective dome of clear tissue over the front of your eye (cornea). This damage can cause eye pain and blurred vision.
  • Postherpetic neuralgia. This painful condition occurs when a shingles infection damages nerve fibers. The messages sent by these nerve fibers become confused and exaggerated — causing pain that may persist long after other signs and symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome have faded.
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References
  1. Herpes zoster oticus information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/ramsay2/ramsay2.htm. Accessed Oct. 26, 2010.
  2. Davis LE. Varicella zoster virus deafness and vertigo. In: Flint PW, et al. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00153-1--s0090&isbn=978-0-323-05283-2&sid=1074288621&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00153-1--s0180&uniqId=224115609-5#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00153-1--s0180. Accessed Oct. 26, 2010.
  3. Neilan RE, et al. Otalgia. Medical Clinics of North America. 2010;94:961.
  4. Fort GG. Ramsay Hunt syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?sid=1074741540&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00027-5--sc0020&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00027-5--sc0020&uniqId=224270956-3. Accessed Oct. 27, 2010.
  5. Harpaz R, et al. Prevention of herpes zoster: Recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2008;57:RR-5.
  6. Guss J, et al. Infections of the external ear: Herpes zoster oticus. In: Flint PW, et al. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00138-5--s0110&isbn=978-0-323-05283-2&sid=1074768459&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00138-5--s0110&uniqId=224270956-6#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00138-5--s0110. Accessed Oct. 27, 2010.
DS00878 Jan. 8, 2011

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