A Rare Case of Cranial Polyneuritis as Complication of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Ramsay Hunt Sydnrome is a rare and severe disease caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the ganglia geniculate. The classic triad of this disease includes ear pain (otalgia), vesicles in the auditory canal, and facial paralysis. This case report is about a 37-year-old woman that has the classic triad of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, as well as a rare complication of cranial polyneuritis in the form of cephalgia and vertigo which occurs only in 1.8% of cases. The patient came one week after the initial symptoms had started and was given antiviral combination therapy and steroids. Treatment of this disease is time sensitive to <72 hours and will determine the prognosis. One month later the follow up showed sequelae in the form of persistent headache and slight facial paralysis as a result of delayed treatment. This case report showed the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment to minimize complications of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.