Ramsay Hunt syndrome with deep hearing loss and meningitis

• Authors: Katarzyna Błochowiak , Bartłomiej Kamiński
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Introduction. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a clinical manifestation of varicella zoster virus reactivation. It is characterized by an erythematous vesicular rash in the external auditory canal and pinna with otalgia, vertigo and ipsilesional facial palsy. Symptoms develop over a few days with prodromal signs of facial weakness, tingling, facial numbness. Usually, cranial nerves VII and VIII are involved in the inflammatory process. Possible consequences of Ramsay Hunt syndrome are hearing loss, encephalitis and meningitis. Description of the case report. The authors present the case of a 63-year-old woman with a vesicular rash, earache, vertigo and left-sided facial paralysis who was treated with antiviral drugs and analgesics. These symptoms were complicated by conductive hearing loss in the left ear and meningitis. After treatment facial paralysis decreased. Unfortunately, hearing loss was permanent. Discussion. Rapid administration of antivirals and corticosteroids limited facial paralysis and improved facial expression. The prognosis for facial palsy is poorer in Ramsay Hunt syndrome than in idiopathic forms. Conclusions. A past history of vertigo and hypertension could been a predisposing factor for the severe manifestation of Ramsay Hunt syndrome and subsequent complications

Keywords

EN

s. facial palsy; hearing loss; meningitis; Ramsay Hunt syndrome

• Publisher: Uniwersytet Rzeszowski. Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego
• Journal: European Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
• Year: 2018
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 60-62

Contributors

author

Katarzyna Błochowiak

• Department of Oral Surgery and Periodontology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland

author

Bartłomiej Kamiński

• Otolaryngology Ward of Maria Skłodowska-Curie District Hospital in Skarżysko-Kamienna, Poland

Identifiers

DOI

10.15584/ejcem.2018.1.10