Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2

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For other uses, see Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2
Other namesHerpes zoster oticus
SpecialtyInfectious diseases Edit this on Wikidata

Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2, commonly referred to simply as Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) and also known as herpes zoster oticus, is inflammation of the geniculate ganglion of the

auditory canal. Due to its proximity to the vestibulocochlear nerve, the virus can spread and cause hearing loss, tinnitus (hearing noises that are not caused by outside sounds), and vertigo. It is common for diagnoses to be overlooked or delayed, which can raise the likelihood of long-term consequences. It is more complicated than Bell's palsy
. Therapy aims to shorten its overall length, while also providing pain relief and averting any consequences.

Signs and symptoms

Early symptoms include intense pain in one ear, the jaw on one side or the neck on one side which may precede the acute facial paralysis by a week or more.

Acute symptoms include:

Because the vestibulocochlear nerve is in proximity to the geniculate ganglion, it may also be affected and patients may also experience:[citation needed]

The swallow reflex might also be affected.

Involvement of the trigeminal nerve can cause numbness of the face.[citation needed]

Pathophysiology

The varicella zoster virus infects people and results in a distributed vesicular rash with fever, known as chickenpox. Respiratory droplets are the main method of virus transmission during the acute stage of the infection. After it subsides, it stays dormant in nerve cells in the body. It may reactivate under conditions of physiological stress or if the immune system is suppressed in any way (for example during an illness or undergoing chemotherapy), resulting in herpes zoster, also known as shingles or Ramsay Hunt syndrome when facial paralysis in involved. If the nerve cells affected lie within the facial nerves, it causes the symptoms described above.[3]

Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2 is estimated to account for 12% of all facial nerve paralysis.[4] It occurs in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals with immunocompromised patients often having more severe disease presentation. RHS may occur in any age group with cases reported in patients ranging in age from 3 months to 82 years.

The affected ganglion is responsible for the movements of facial muscles, the touch sensation of a part of ear and ear canal, the taste function of the frontal two-thirds of the tongue, and the moisturization of the eyes and the mouth. The syndrome specifically refers to the combination of this entity with weakness of the muscles activated by the facial nerve. In isolation, the latter is called Bell's palsy.[5]

However, as with shingles, the lack of lesions does not definitely exclude the existence of a herpes infection. Even before the eruption of vesicles, varicella zoster virus can be detected from the skin of the ear.

Diagnosis

Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2 can be diagnosed based on clinical features; however, in ambiguous cases, PCR or direct immunofluorescent assay of vesicular fluid can help with the diagnosis. Laboratory studies such as WBC count, ESR and electrolytes can distinguish infectious versus inflammatory etiologies.[citation needed]

Clinical diagnosis

On a physical exam, look for vesicular exanthema on the

external auditory canal, concha and or pinna. Dry eyes with possible lower cornea epithelium damage due to incomplete closure of eyelids. It is possible to have Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2 without an external rash present. This is called "RHS sine herpete" and may occur in up to 30% of patients.[citation needed][6]

Diagnostic procedures

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome type 2 can usually be diagnosed based on clinical features. However, for suspected cases with unclear presentation, varicella zoster virus can be isolated from vesicle fluid. Tear culture PCR can have positive varicella zoster virus. However, 25–35% of patients with Bell's palsy can have false positive varicella zoster virus detected in tears. If central nervous system complications such as meningitis, ventriculitis or meningoencephalitis are suspected, prompt lumbar puncture with spinal fluid analysis and imaging (CT head) are recommended.[citation needed]

An MRI with contrast may be ordered if the diagnosis is ambiguous so as to rule out other causes of acute facial paralysis such as a

tumors
. This test is most commonly ordered if the patient presents atypically with RHS sine herpete.

Prevention

Shingles is prevented by immunizing against the causal virus, varicella zoster, using a

Shingrix.[7]

Treatment

Treatments for Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2 are used to reduce further damage caused by the viral infection. These medications will not reverse any damage that has already occurred at the time that they are prescribed.[

valacyclovir or famciclovir for 5 to 7 days is standard; however, some studies have shown later damage to the facial nerve and recommend 21 days of antivirals.[4][2] Studies indicate that treatment started within 72 hours of the onset of facial paralysis improves the chances of the patient experiencing significant recovery.[8] Chances of recovery appear to decrease when treatment is delayed. Delay of treatment may result in permanent facial nerve paralysis. However, some studies demonstrate that even when steroids are started promptly, only 22% of all patients achieve full recovery of facial paralysis.[9]
Treatment apparently has no effect on the recovery of hearing loss.

vertigo
.

During the acute recovery phase, the eye on the affected side of the face may not blink completely or at all and may not close tightly or at all when sleeping. If the eye is dry or feels irritated, this is a strong indication that the eye is not properly blinking or closing completely. Using artificial tears every 5 to 20 minutes while awake and protecting the eye while asleep are very important to maintaining the health of the eye. While asleep, applying overnight eye gel and using sensitive skin medical tape or an eye patch to keep the eye closed or using a moisture chamber can protect the eye. Taking these precautions is extremely important to preserve the health and functionality of the eye and prevent corneal abrasions and corneal ulcers.[2]

Nerve pain associated with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome may be extreme and centered in the ear, neck, cheek, jaw and face. This nerve pain may not respond well to standard pain treatments including NSAIDS and opioids. Medication specifically for nerve pain such as tricyclic antidepressants and gabapentin have been shown to be effective for the neuropathic pain and post-herpetic neuralgia common with RHS.[2]

Physical therapy, excessive movement or electrical stimulation practiced during the first year of recovery greatly increase the chances of long term complications, including hyperactive muscles and synkinesis, both of which are permanent. [citation needed] The most common form of synkinesis for Ramsay Hunt Syndrome patients involves the eye being connected to the mouth (i.e. blinking while speaking, tearing while eating) and chin dimpling (chin dimples forming when speaking). Many forms of synkinesis can be managed with use of medical Botox administered by a qualified doctor.[10]

Prognosis

Overall between 30% and 70% of Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2 patients recover most functionality depending on early diagnosis and treatment with chances of recovery dropping to 50% if treatment is delayed beyond 72 hours.[2]

Once the active infection has been cleared with antivirals, the facial nerves will begin to regrow at approximately 1mm per day. The recovery process for Ramsay Hunt syndrome is significantly longer than Bell's palsy. On average, Ramsay Hunt syndrome patients begin to see their symptoms resolve between 5 and 12 months post diagnosis and can expect to see continued resolution of symptoms for up to 2 years post diagnosis. Occasionally, patients may experience minor improvements beyond 2 years. The order in which symptoms resolve is highly individual. Although most patients will experience some recovery; complete recoveries with no lingering symptoms are in the minority. The main factors affecting the overall prognosis are the severity of symptoms at onset, the age and general health of the patient and the timing of initial treatments

Common long term effects include:

  • Permanent facial paralysis of some or all of the affected facial nerves
  • Corneal abrasion and/or ulcers if proper care is not taken of the affected eye which may affect long-term vision
  • Neuropathic pain and post-herpetic neuralgia can commonly persist for more than 3 months and a year to 18 months is not uncommon. More than 50% of patients report experiencing post-herpetic neuralgia.[2]
  • Post-herpetic fatigue is also a common long term side effect and may persist for several months to a year or more.
  • Weakness in the affected facial muscles
  • Sensitivity to cold and heat in the affected facial muscles
  • Synkinesis including eye fluttering, chin dimpling and eye watering
  • Hyperactive muscles that contract inappropriately

Less common long term effects include:

  • Verbal processing deficits including speaking the incorrect word (aphasia)
  • Memory deficits including failures in short-term memory
  • Vertigo
  • Partial or full hearing loss
  • Hyperacusis
  • Hyperactive muscles particularly in the neck and cheek
  • Tinnitus

Some patients report an increased sensitivity to barometric pressure with changes in weather patterns causing pain on the affected side of the face.

History and notable cases

The syndrome is named for

neurologist who first described it.[11][12]

In 2013, Olivia Chow was diagnosed with the condition.[13]

On June 10, 2022, Canadian singer Justin Bieber announced in a video posted on Instagram that that he had been diagnosed with the condition.[14] He has since entered treatment.[15]

On May 18, 2023, the

New York Times reported that United States Senator Dianne Feinstein had developed the condition as a side effect of a shingles infection.[16]

References

  1. S2CID 13688872
    .
  2. ^
    PMID 32491341
    .
  3. PMID 11459884
    .
  4. ^
    S2CID 37303883
    .
  5. PMID 18159587
    .
  6. PMID 34754713
    .
  7. ^ "Shingles (Herpes Zoster) - Get the new shingles vaccine if you are 50 or older". CDC. 2019-07-02. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  8. S2CID 35050065
    .
  9. PMID 18368417
    .
  10. ^ "Is Botox for Facial Synkinesis Safe and Effective?". www.facialparalysisinstitute.com. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  11. Who Named It?
  12. PMID 13167057
    .
  13. ^ Connor, Kevin (January 4, 2013). "Olivia Chow diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
  14. ^ "Justin Bieber's facial paralysis: 'I shed a couple of tears' - Ramsay Hunt sufferer is 'heartbroken' seeing singer with illness". Sky News.
  15. ^ Guenot, Marianne (16 June 2022). "Justin Bieber is 'getting better every day' from Ramsay Hunt syndrome and expects to recover fully, Hailey Bieber says". news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
  16. New York Times
    . Retrieved May 18, 2023.

External links

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