geniculate neuralgia

geniculate neuralgia /jənik″yəlāt/ [L, geniculum, little knee; Gk, neuron, nerve, algos, pain] , a severe debilitating inflammatory condition of the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. It is characterized by pain in the ear, loss of the sense of taste, facial paralysis, and a decrease in salivation and lacrimation. It sometimes follows herpes zoster infection. It may be treated with Tegretol or Sansert. Also called Hunt’s neuralgia. See also Ramsay Hunt syndrome.