[Peripheral facial palsy accompanied by a vesicular rash on the ear and hard palate]

Abstract

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is defined as a peripheral facial nerve palsy accompanied by an erythematous vesicular rash on the ear (zoster oticus) and hard palate. It is known that varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes RHS. History and neurological examination remain the mainstay of diagnosis. Prednisolone and acyclovir/valacyclovir is helpful in RHS when given within three days of onset. We report on a 14-year-old boy who had RHS accompanied by meningitis. Polymerase chain reaction identified VZV in exudates from the geniculate zone of the ear, the hard palate and in the CSF.