INTRODUCTION:Ramsay-Hunt syndrome is a disease caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus in the geniculate ganglia. It involves facial nerve paralysis and it is usually associated with a rash on the auricle and/or external ear [1]. Sometimes the blisters are not very noticeable and can be overlooked by the inspector. Other accompanying symptoms may be ache and fullness of the ear (78%), vertigo/dizziness (51%), hearing loss (45%), nausea, vomiting, tinnitus and hyperacusia [2].The diagnosis is mainly based on the history, clinical findings and neurological examination. Polymerase chain reaction assays may be useful by detecting DNA of the virus in exudates from ear scraping or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) [3].It represents 7% of all peripheral facial paralysis and recovery rates are lower in this group [4,5]. Early treatment with a combination of acyclovir and prednisone is reported to be effective [6-8].
