Q: I had Ramsay Hunt syndrome in 2002 following an ear infection but the doctor I was going to – my regular physician who was an internist – misdiagnosed it. He said I had Bell’s palsy and there was nothing I could do for it. It would go away.
After having vertigo and was unable to close my eye, I went to an ear-nose-and-throat doctor who diagnosed it as Ramsay Hunt syndrome. He said I should get to my eye doctor as soon as possible, which I did. I actually saw both of them for several weeks, as my throat became paralyzed and I could not eat any solid food for at least two or three weeks. I was treated with prednisone and eye drops which I use twice daily.
I was finally sent to therapy for my face but it did not help much. The right side of my face still does not work like the left side does. I have seen only one other person who has this condition and she said hers happened several years ago, also. My son went on his computer after I was diagnosed and found quite a lot of information that failed to mention the paralysis of the throat. I did lose some hearing in my right ear. This is something I can live with, since it has not progressed.
At this stage I am 81 years old and trying to stay alive.
A: Ramsay Hunt syndrome presents when a herpes zoster (shingles) infection affects the facial nerves near an ear. The condition can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss on that side of an individual’s face. Interestingly, Ramsay Hunt is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. And, as I am sure you already know, the virus remains dormant in the system for years but may reactivate. Should this occur and affect the facial nerve, the result is Ramsay Hunt.
There are two typical signs of the condition – a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters in and around one ear and facial paralysis or weakness. Other issues that could but don’t always occur include hearing loss, tinnitus, problems closing one eye, and more.
Your condition is not contagious; however, contact with others could cause chickenpox in those individuals who have never had it or who may not have been vaccinated against it. Further, people with a compromised immune system should avoid exposure.
Facial paralysis is a possibility. In fact, in 2014 there was an article in the Chinese scientific literature documenting three cases of Ramsay Hunt affecting the vocal cords. You appear to have had damage to nerve fibers of your face. It may be that the nerve fibers involved received exaggerated messages from your brain that have caused you paralysis to remain long after the initial signs of your Ramsay Hunt issues presented. At this stage, I doubt any pain relievers, corticosteroids or anti-viral drugs will be effective; however, you certainly might speak with your primary care physician or a neurologist for his or her opinion on the matter.
