Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Diagnosis

Doctors frequently diagnose Ramsay Hunt syndrome by assessing medical history, conducting a physical examination, and observing the disease’s characteristic signs and symptoms.

To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may opt to collect a sample of fluid from one of the rash blisters in your ear for further testing.

Treatment

Timely treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome can alleviate pain and reduce the likelihood of long-term complications. Medications prescribed may comprise:

• Pain relievers: The pain associated with Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be intense, often necessitating prescription pain medications for relief.
• Antiviral medications: Drugs like acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir are commonly prescribed to combat the chickenpox virus.
• Corticosteroids: A brief course of high-dose prednisone is often administered to enhance the effectiveness of antiviral drugs in Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
• Anti-anxiety drugs: Medications such as diazepam can help alleviate vertigo, a common symptom.