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RH Syndrome Diagnosis/Treatment

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome's Treatment Similar to Bell's Palsy's

Dec 1, 2006

Ramsay Hunt syndrome can cause Bell's palsy, but only the varicella-zoster (chicken pox) virus can cause RH. Treatment for these two neurological illnesses is similar...

Diagnosis

This is determined by the facial weakness/paralysis, positive blood test for varicella-zoster virus, and lesions in the ear or mouth (not present with Bell's palsy alone.)

Treatment

Primarily, the varicella-zoster (chicken pox) virus must be treated. This is done with anti-viral meds and steroids. Treatment is thought to be most effective if started within 3 days of onset.
Eyedrops to moisten and protect eye as well as taping eye shut while sleeping
Surgery (fairly rare) to repair the damaged nerve(s)
Drugs for nausea/vomitting caused by vertigo

Outcome

If treatment is started within 3 days, complete recovery is attained by approximately 70% of patients
Recovery also depends on nerve damage: minimal damage can be reversed in several weeks, where more severe damage may take many months
Long-term damage can sometimes result, affecting hearing, nerve conduction, and muscular tone

***For more information about this topic, see Bell's Palsy, Bell's Palsy Diagnosis/Treatment, Bell's Palsy Symptoms, Bell's Palsy Lookalike?, Bell's Palsy Causes, and What are Shingles?

For related information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.

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The copyright of the article RH Syndrome Diagnosis/Treatment in Neurological Illness is owned by Jennifer Gerics. Permission to republish RH Syndrome Diagnosis/Treatment in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.