- What triggers Ramsay Hunt syndrome? Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox clears up, the virus still lives in your nerves. Years later, it may reactivate. When it does, it can affect your facial nerves. Source
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) occurs when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of your ears. In addition to the painful shingles rash, Ramsay Hunt syndrome can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear. Source
- Symptoms according to Mayo Clinic, A painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters on, in and around one ear and Facial weakness or paralysis on the same side as the affected ear.
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox. It’s more common in older adults, typically affecting people older than 60. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is rare in children. Source
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome isn’t contagious. Source
- What is the difference between Ramsay Hunt syndrome and Bell’s palsy? Compared with Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis without rash), patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome often have more severe paralysis at onset and are less likely to recover completely. Source
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome happens when shingles affect nerves in your face close to either one of your ears. Shingles affecting either ear is a condition caused by a virus called herpes zoster oticus. Source
- How long does it take to recover from Ramsay Hunt? Ramsay Hunt is a localized syndrome and doesn’t affect the rest of the body. It can also affect anyone. The doctor said that it ‘can be fixed with antivirals and steroids’ and the patient takes six weeks to three months to recover. Source
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS), also known as herpes zoster oticus, is a rare yet severe condition that causes facial weakness or paralysis, and a rash on the outer ear. Source
- If there is not much damage to the nerve, you should get better completely within a few weeks. If damage is more severe, you may not fully recover, even after several months. Overall, your chances of recovery are better if the treatment is started within 3 days after the symptoms begin. Source
