herpes zoster oticus, a herpes zoster infection of the eighth cervical (vestibulocochlear) nerve ganglia and geniculate ganglion, causing severe pain in the external ear structures and pain or paralysis along the facial nerve. The disease also may cause hearing loss and vertigo. The vertigo is usually transient, but the hearing loss and facial paralysis may be permanent. Vesicular eruptions may occur along the external ear canal and ear pinna. Treatment is generally symptomatic, with diazepam administered for vertigo, analgesics for pain, and corticosteroids for other symptoms. Acyclovir may be prescribed.
