Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome

Synonyms

• None

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Ramsay-Hunt syndrome (RHS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by paralysis of certain facial nerves (facial palsy) and a rash affecting the ear or mouth. Ear abnormalities such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss may be present. Ramsay-Hunt syndrome is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox in children and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults. In cases of Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, previously inactive varicella-zoster virus is reactivated and spreads to affect the facial nerves. The disorder is named after James Ramsay Hunt, a physician.

Resources

American Pain Society
4700 West Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL 60025-1485
Tel: (847)375-4715
Fax: (847)375-4777
Email: info@ampainsoc.org
Internet: http://www.ampainsoc.org

Bell's Palsy Web Site and Online Support Group
c/o Annette Lemke
65 Calle El Avion
Camarillo, CA 93010
Email: Seabee86@aol.com
Internet: http://members.aol.com/seabee86/index.html

Bells Palsy Research Foundation
9713 Lookout Place
Montgomery Village, MD 20886
USA
Tel: 3013303223
Fax: 3012162477
Tel: 8006886914
Email: drtargan@erols.com
Internet: http://www.bellspalsy.com

VZV Research Foundation
24 East 64th Street
Floor 5
New York, NY 10021
Tel: (212)371-7280
Fax: (212)838-0380
Tel: (800)472-8478
Email: vzv@vzvfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.vzvfoundation.org

Jack Miller Center for Peripheral Neuropathy
University of Chicago
5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC 2030
Chicago, IL 60637
Tel: (773)702-5800
Fax: (773)702-5577
Email: information-millercenter@neurology.bsd.uchicago.edu
Internet: http://millercenter.uchicago.edu

American Academy of Audiology
11730 Plaza America
#300
Reston, VA 20190
Tel: (703)790-8466
Fax: (703)790-8631
Tel: (800)222-2336
Email: info@audiology.org
Internet: http://www.audiology.org

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:
Copyright 2005 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.