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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Signs and symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome include:
- A painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters on your eardrum, external ear canal, the outside of your ear, the roof of your mouth (palate) or your tongue
- Facial weakness (palsy) on the same side as the affected ear
- Difficulty closing one eye
- Ear pain
- Hearing loss
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- A sensation of spinning or moving (vertigo)
- A change in taste perception or loss of taste
When to see a doctor
If you experience weakness on one side of your face or if you develop a rash in or around your ear or in your mouth along with facial weakness, call your doctor for an urgent evaluation. Ramsay Hunt syndrome isn't a condition that requires emergency care. But, diagnosis and treatment within seven days of the start of signs and symptoms may help prevent long-term complications.
- Mattox, DE. Clinical disorders of the facial nerve. In: Cummings CW, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.; Mosby; 2005.
- Fort G, et al. Ramsay Hunt syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008: 498.
- Mueller NH, et al. Varicella zoster virus infection: Clinical features, molecular pathogenesis of disease, and latency. Neurologic Clinics. 2008;26:675.
- Herpes zoster oticus information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/ramsay2/ramsay2.htm. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Shingles: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/detail_shingles.htm#124173223. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome: Treatment. Ramsay.org. http://www.ramsayhunt.org/treat.shtml. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Herpes zoster oticus. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch086/ch086e.html. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0-6 years - United States, 2008. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.aafp.org/online/etc/medialib/aafp_org/documents/clinical/immunization/childsched.Par.0001.File.tmp/08childsched.pdf. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
