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

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

Chen Yu  1 , Haw-Yu Lee  1 , Yen-Chia Chen  2   3
Affiliations

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

Chen Yu et al. Int J Emerg Med. .

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Written informed consent was obtained from the patient’s relative for the publication of this case report and accompanying images. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Clinical manifestations of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. A. Grouped vesicles (arrowhead) on the patient’s right ear. B: Right peripheral facial palsy (arrows), characterized by the absence of forehead wrinkling, eyebrow ptosis, facial drooping, and a flattened nasolabial fold
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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