Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which also causes facial paralysis, is different from Bell's palsy, but it can be hard to distinguish. Both neurological illnesses are a result of damage caused to the 7th cranial nerve. But where Ramsay Hunt syndrome can result in Bell's palsy (facial paralysis), Bell's palsy cannot cause RH syndrome.
The Cause of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
RH syndrome, named after James Ramsay Hunt, is a direct result of a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (chicken pox) which can lie dormant in a person's system for years. This is the only cause of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, where Bell's palsy can be caused by quite a few viruses or other factors. As an adult, the infected person can develop shingles(the adult and more severe version of chicken pox), which can trigger the 7th cranial nerve swelling and damage. Essentially, Ramsay Hunt syndrome is the recurrence of the chicken pox virus, varicella-zoster, and the resulting neurological problems. As an adult this virus is termed “shingles”. Bell's palsy is the facial paralysis that can result. If a patient has Bell's palsy resulting from something other than the varicella-zoster virus, it is strictly Bell's palsy. On the other hand, if an adult has an attack of shingles which results in Bell's palsy, that is overall a case of Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Symptoms of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
- speech problems
- pain in ear, neck, or head
- loss of taste
- oversensitivity to sound
- “blisters” in the ears and/or mouth (not experienced with B's P/ conclusive of RH syndrome)
- vertigo
- mouth dryness
- facial drooping (one-sided)
- facial paralysis (one-sided)
***For more information about this topic, see Bell's Palsy, Bell's Palsy Causes, Bell's Palsy Diagnosis/Treatment, Bell's Palsy Symptoms, and RH Syndrome:Diagnosis/Treatment.
For related information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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