Ramsay-Hunt Neuralgie

Ramsay Hunt neuralgia, also known as herpes zoster oticus, is shingles of the facial nerve. It is due to reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the geniculate ganglion.

Clinical presentation

Ramsay Hunt syndrome classically presents with a triad of :

• otic pain
• facial nerve palsy
• a vesicular eruption (often painful) involving the external auditory canal, pinna, tongue or hard palate

There may be involvement of the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) in which case vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus may be present.

Pathology

The syndrome is due to latent infection of the geniculate ganglion with varicella zoster virus and subsequent reactivation.

Radiographic features

Imaging is identical to that seen in Bell palsy, with increased enhancement of the facial nerve. Care should be taken not to mistake normal facial nerve enhancement on MRI for that observed in Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

History and etymology

This eponymous syndrome was named after James Ramsay Hunt, an American neurologist (1872-1937) .

See also

• facial palsy

Siehe auch:

• Trommelfell
• geniculate ganglion
• normale Kontrastmittelanreicherung des Nervus facialis in der MRT

und weiter:

• Nervus facialis
• Varizellenenzephalitis