Revista Ciencias Biomédicas (Jan 2014)
RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME (IN SPANISH)
Abstract
Introduction: Ramsay Hunt syndrome is an uncommon disorder caused by the activation of the varicella-zoster virus. It is clinically manifested by blisters in the ear canal, earache and signs and symptoms of facial paralysis. It is a disorder that use to be more severe and with greater potentiality of complications than the Bell paralysis. Clinical case: 53-year-old-female patient, with medical history of arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus type 2, who consulted due to present painful lesions in the right ear auricle and deviation of the labial commissure to the left. At the physical examination, suggestive lesions of infection by the varicella-zoster virus were observed. Management with corticosteroids and antiviral drugs was carried out, with a fast and complete improvement. Conclusion: the facial paralysis of the Ramsay Hunt syndrome is usually severe. It is considered that its early treatment with corticosteroids and antiviral drugs or only with corticosteroids avoids the irreversible damage of the facial nerve and possible complications. Rev.cienc.biomed. 2014;5(1):139-143 KEY WORD Facial paralysis, Herpes zoster oticus, Herpes zoster.
