Shingles v. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome v. Bell's Palsy
Ramsay Hunt 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, whereas Bell's palsy can be caused by quite a few viruses or other factors. As an adult, a 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 facial problems. 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. Bell's palsy is the facial paralysis, Ramsay Hunt syndrome is the overall facial symptoms of shingles, and shingles is the overall reactivation of the zoster-varicella virus, which can manifest anywhere in the body. Quite simple, right?...!
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 Bell's P/ conclusive of RH syndrome)
- vertigo
- mouth dryness
- facial drooping (one-sided)
- facial paralysis (one-sided) = Bell's palsy
***For further reference: www.fda.gov. Read Bell's Palsy, Bell's Palsy Causes, Bell's Palsy Diagnosis/Treatment, Bell's Palsy Symptoms, What are Shingles?, and RH Syndrome:Diagnosis/Treatment.
For related information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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