What Is Herpes Zoster Oticus?
Herpes zoster oticus, also called
Ramsay Hunt syndrome or Ramsay Hunt syndrome type II, is a common complication of
shingles. Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that also causes
chickenpox. Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox and represents a reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster virus.
Herpes zoster oticus, which is caused by the spread of the varicella-zoster virus to facial nerves, is characterized by intense ear pain; a rash around the ear, mouth, face, neck, and scalp; and paralysis of facial nerves.
Other symptoms may include:
- Hearing loss
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Taste loss in the tongue
- Dry mouth and eyes.
Treating Herpes Zoster Oticus
Some cases of herpes zoster oticus do not require treatment.
When treatment is needed, medications such as
antiviral drugs or corticosteroids such as
prednisone may be prescribed. Vertigo may be treated with the drug
diazepam (
Valium®).
Examples of antiviral medicines used for relieving herpes zoster oticus or other
shingles symptoms include:
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