Work

Atypical Presentation of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome in an Immunocompromised Patient: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS), or herpes zoster oticus, is a rare neurological complication of varicella-zoster virus reactivation within the geniculate ganglion, leading to unilateral facial pain, facial paralysis, otalgia, sensorineural hearing loss, and a painful vesicular rash on the face or ear. Reactivation of the virus most often affects the vestibulocochlear (cranial nerve eight) and facial (cranial nerve seven) nerves in RHS. Early recognition of RHS is important as delays in treatment can lead to permanent facial paralysis, scarring, or irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. In this case, we examine an 84-year-old immunocompromised female patient whose diagnosis of RHS was delayed by multiple medical comorbidities and an atypical initial presentation.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.118584

Authors: David J Rash, Owori Mangeni

Institution: Lewis Gale Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7223565321