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[Ramsay-Hunt syndrome associated to unilateral recurrential paralysis].
V Pino Rivero1, A González Palomino, C G Pantoja Hernández
1Complejo Hospitalario Infanta Cristina, Facultativo Especialista de Otorrinolaringología, Badajoz. vicentepinorivero@terra.com
Anales Otorrinolaringologicos Ibero-Americanos
|November 10, 2006
Summary
Varicella zoster virus reactivation can cause facial paralysis and laryngeal paralysis. Early examination of the larynx is recommended for head and neck herpes zoster cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation commonly leads to cranial and cervical neuropathies, with peripheral facial paralysis being the most frequent manifestation.
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) is a known complication of VZV reactivation affecting the facial nerve.
Observation:
- This case report details a patient presenting with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, characterized by vesicles on the left auricular pinna and face, accompanied by facial palsy.
- Notably, the patient also developed ipsilateral laryngeal paralysis, a previously unrecorded association in this specific presentation.
Findings:
- Treatment with oral acyclovir (800 mg, 5 times daily for 1 week) was initiated for the VZV reactivation.
- Follow-up three months later revealed partial recovery of left vocal cord mobility but persistent involvement of the facial nerve, particularly the cervicofacial branch.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential link between VZV reactivation involving the head and neck and laryngeal paralysis.
- It is advised that a thorough laryngeal examination should be considered in all patients diagnosed with herpes zoster affecting the head and neck region.
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