Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: Treatment

Although high quality studies are lacking, best evidence suggests that a combination of high dose steroids and aciclovir (800 mg five times a day for 7 days) are associated with improved rates of recovery [23,24].

Other treatment and follow-up for the sequelae of facial muscle weakness are also required, as for Bells palsy.

In addition, the patient must be counselled on the infectivity of the rash and potential risk to the non-immune, pregnant and immunocompromised.

Learning bite

It is important to examine a patient with apparent Bells palsy very carefully, as evidence of the vesicular rash may be difficult to see and management of the patient is therefore significantly altered.