Ramsay hunt syndrome- expect the unexpected: A case report

Abstract

Herpes zoster represents a latent reactivation of the varicella zoster virus infection with a dermatomal pattern of eruption and complicated by post-herpetic neuralgia. Ramsay hunt syndrome is a rare complication of herpes zoster and it is not just a syndrome but it's rather an infectious disease. This syndrome is characterized by peripheral facial nerve palsy associated with an erythematous vesicular rash on the ear. It is characterized by unilateral pattern of facial involvement and presence of vesicles helps in early diagnosis and distinguish the syndrome with diseases mimicking other severe neurological diseases. This article reports a case of 56-year-old male patient who reported with a complaint of severe toothache, which serves as severe prodrome for reactivation of herpes zoster virus which later leads to Ramsay Hunt syndrome. This case report highlights about the management of herpes zoster and its complication and emphasizes on prevention of post herpetic neuralgia complication.