Where are the vesicles? A case report of Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Abstract

A 1-year-10-month-old child developed left-sided Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) without vesicles 1 month after an episode of varicella zoster infection. No ear symptoms, including hearing loss, tinnitus, or imbalance, were reported. The external ear and otoscopic examinations were unremarkable. He achieved adequate recovery with corticosteroid treatment. This case report discusses the unusual presentation of RHS without vesicles, the diagnostic dilemma in young children, varicella zoster virus hepatitis, treatment modalities, and the role of vaccination in its prevention.

Keywords

• varicella zoster virus infection
• herpes zoster oticus
• zoster sine herpete
• chickenpox vaccine