Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by varicella herpes zoster virus invading ear-related cranial nerves. Main symptoms are severe ear pain on one side and ear herpes. You may also have face paralysis on the same side, accompanied by hearing and balance disorders. For most patients, treatment principle is to relieve pain, shorten the course of disease and prevent secondary infection. High doses of antiviral drugs and corticosteroids can be used too. Timely treatment can reduce the risk of complications such as facial paralysis and deafness.
How is Ramsay Hunt syndrome treated in practice?