Early diagnosis and treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome: a case report

Chen Yu; Haw-Yu Lee; Yen-Chia Chen

doi:10.1186/s12245-024-00807-x

Early diagnosis and treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome: a case report

Int J Emerg Med. 2025 Jan 2;18(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s12245-024-00807-x.

Authors

Chen Yu¹, Haw-Yu Lee¹, Yen-Chia Chen^{2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Emergency Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
² Emergency Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan. ycchen4@vghtpe.gov.tw.
³ Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan. ycchen4@vghtpe.gov.tw.

Abstract

Background: Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS), a rare complication of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation, presents with ipsilateral facial paralysis, ear pain, and vesicular rash. Early recognition is crucial for prompt treatment and optimal outcomes.

Case presentation: We report a case of a 67-year-old woman with RHS who presented with right-sided facial palsy, severe ear pain, and fluid-filled blisters. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of antiviral and glucocorticoid therapy led to significant symptom improvement.

Conclusions: Healthcare providers should consider RHS in patients with facial palsy, especially when accompanied by ear pain and vesicular rash, to facilitate early intervention and prevent long-term complications.

Keywords: Geniculate ganglion reactivation; Herpes zoster oticus; Peripheral facial palsy; Ramsay Hunt syndrome.