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Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Associated with Varicella-Zoster Virus Encephalitis in a Child
Eman Y Ahmed1,2, Hatem Al Rawahi2, Fatema Al Amrani2
1School Clinic, Ahlia School, Al Qurayya, Bahrain.
Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal
|March 4, 2024
Summary
Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS), a VZV reactivation, can rarely cause encephalitis. This case details an 8-year-old boy
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is characterized by facial nerve palsy, ear pain, and vesicular rash.
- It results from varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation in the geniculate ganglia.
- RHS can rarely lead to complications like VZV encephalitis.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old boy presented with fever, ear pain, rash, and left-sided facial palsy.
- The patient was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
- His condition progressed to VZV encephalitis.
Findings:
- The patient received intravenous acyclovir and corticosteroids for VZV encephalitis.
- He showed significant improvement following treatment.
- Neurological examination was normal at 6-month follow-up.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but serious complication of RHS.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of VZV encephalitis are crucial.
- Successful treatment outcomes are achievable with antiviral and corticosteroid therapy.
