What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare neurological disorder which causes facial paralysis and a rash that affects the ear and mouth.
What causes Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
Ramsey Hunt syndrome is caused by a group of viruses that causes chickenpox and shingles. They are known as herpes viruses but are different from the virus responsible for cold sores and genital herpes. The virus can be inactive in the body for a long time, before reactivating in adults.
What are the symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
Symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome can vary from person to person and they don’t happen at the same time. The symptoms can also be temporary. These include:
- Facial paralysis (palsy)
- Ear and mouth rashes
- Slurred speech
- Tinnitus
- Hearing loss
- Ear and neck pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vertigo