In this Article

• What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome? What causes it?
• What are the symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
• How is Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosed?
• Is Ramsey Hunt syndrome contagious?
• How does Ramsay Hunt syndrome compare with Bell's palsy?
• How is Ramsay Hunt syndrome treated or prevented?
• What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
• Where can I find more information about Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
• Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Glossary
• Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Index

What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

The prognosis for Ramsay Hunt syndrome is not as good as that for Bell's palsy. There is good clinical evidence to suggest that treatment with steroids, pain medications, and antiviral agents (like acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir) improve recovery and lessen the extreme facial discomfort. pain. However, infrequent complications can develop, such as synkinesis (inappropriate nerve responses such as blinking or tear formation while trying to talk), eye damage, or rarely, viral spread to other nerves causing many other problems (for example, pain, confusion, weakness). Postherpetic neuralgia (pain due to nerve fiber damage by the virus) may also develop and persist for months to years.

Where can I find more information about Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001647.htm

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/news/20061025/shingles-vaccine-to-be-routine-at-60

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/321/7264/778

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Facial Nerve Problems and Bell's Palsy - Learn about facial nerve problems and Bell's palsy symptoms such as facial muscle paralysis, weakness, twitching of the face, dry mouth, altered taste. Causes and Treatment options are included in the information.
• Genetic Counseling - Read about genetic counceling, what it is, who should receive genetic counceling, and resources such as how to find a genetic councelor for a particular disease or condition.

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