Ramsay Hunt syndrome [James Ramsay Hunt, American neurologist, 1872–1937] , a neurological condition resulting from invasion of the seventh nerve ganglia and the geniculate ganglion by varicella zoster virus, characterized by severe ear pain, facial nerve paralysis, vertigo, hearing loss, and often mild generalized encephalitis. The vertigo may last days or weeks but usually resolves itself. The facial paralysis may be permanent, and the hearing loss, which is rarely permanent, may be partial or total. Treatment usually includes the prescription of corticosteroid drugs. Also called herpes zoster oticus.
