Ramsay Hunt syndrome, an unfamiliar name, is a disease that became known little by little as it became known that pop star Justin Bieber and former announcer Choi Hee battled the disease. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is caused by damage to the facial nerve that moves the facial muscles due to the varicella zoster virus. Among the diseases that cause peripheral facial nerve palsy called oropharyngeal palsy, it is the third most common disease after Bell’s palsy (idiopathic facial nerve palsy) and traumatic paralysis such as skull fractures.
A virus that has been dormant for a lifetime, the main cause of the disease is a decrease in immunity
In most cases, the varicella zoster virus that causes Ramsay Hunt syndrome remains dormant in people’s bodies for life.
When the virus is healthy, the immune system suppresses the activity of the virus, so it is not a big problem, but when the immune system is weakened, the virus activates and causes skin rashes, blisters, and pain along with nerve damage. In the case of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, the paralysis is more severe on average than Bell’s palsy, which is the most common, and the cure rate is lowered, and hearing loss and dizziness are often severe.
In general, the incidence of facial nerve palsy increases with age, and in the case of young people, it is known that pregnant women have a high incidence rate due to edema or weakened immunity. In addition, more attention is needed as there is a direct or indirect relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and infection-related facial nerve palsy.
What is the difference between peripheral facial paralysis and paralysis?
Most patients may be concerned about having a stroke (stroke) if the face becomes paralyzed.
In this regard, Professor Koo Bon-hyeok (Facial Paralysis Center, Gangdong Kyunghee Daehan Medical Center, Photo) said, “Stroke is a disease caused by cerebrovascular problems. In the case of facial nerve palsy, the main symptom is only facial paralysis.” “However, it is not possible to accurately differentiate between peripheral facial palsy and stroke with this information alone. It is important to receive,” he said.
Rapid nerve damage within 72 hours of onset… Early treatment is important
Also, Professor Koo said, “Facial nerve palsy rapidly damages the nerves from 24 to 72 hours after onset, and if the initial damage is severe, the probability of developing sequelae increases. For suppression and rapid recovery, intensive early treatment with sufficient rest is the most important.”
In addition, peripheral facial nerve palsy often causes pain around the ear even before the onset of the disease. As the symptoms of water leakage occur when drinking water or brushing teeth, they advised that if such symptoms occur, it is necessary to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Special attention is required, such as the elderly, late pregnancy, and aftereffects of COVID-19
The most important thing to prevent facial nerve palsy is to manage immunity. This is because it is estimated that most cases of Bell’s palsy as well as Ramsay Hunt syndrome are caused by the herpes simplex virus dormant in the body of adults.
Professor Koo said, “It is important to take special health care in the elderly, the second half of pregnancy, immediately after childbirth, and in the case of after-effects of COVID-19 infection. It is important to reduce the possibility of the disease through treatment in advance if a corresponding problem occurs, and it is necessary to improve immunity and maintain health even after treatment is completed to prevent recurrence.”
