November's Monthly Topic Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Author Note: I am not a professional of any kind. I am strongly against self-diagnosis and encourage my audience to seek the professional advice of their trusted medical professional and any other trusted professional depending on the topic at hand. The Abler Blog ONLY PROVIDES LIMITED GENERAL INFORMATION and ALWAYS CITES WHERE THEY FIND THEIR RESOURCES AND OR INFORMATION. Jessica Niziolek, Founder Of The Abler Blog, and online community. November 1st 2026 November’s Monthly Topic: Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Resources used: mayoclinic.org Author Note: I am not a professional of any kind. I am strongly against self-diagnosis and encourage my audience to seek the professional advice of their trusted medical professional and any other trusted professional, which can vary based on the topic chosen at the time. THE ABLER BLOG ONLY PROVIDES LIMITED GENERAL INFORMATION and ALWAYS CITES WHERE THEY FIND THEIR RESOURCES AND OR INFORMATION. Jessica Niziolek, Founder of The Abler Blog and online community. What causes this condition? Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, also known as (herpes zoster oticus), Is caused by an outbreak of shingles. When this outbreak of the rash happens, it can affect the facial nerves near one of the ears, and can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the ear that’s affected by this condition. Side Note Like shingles, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is also caused by the virus chickenpox. Once the chickenpox clears, the virus remains. And reactivate even years later. And signs can begin to show. When the symptoms begin, they can and do begin to affect the person's facial nerves. Treatment Quick action when the person first starts showing up is the best way to prevent permanent damage, such as facial weakness and hearing loss. If you would like to see a more detailed image of where the facial nerve is located, please visit the Mayo Clinic website. What are the symptoms? The two main symptoms are a very painful rash that has fluid-filled blisters to it that are on or around the affected ear, the facial paralysis and weakness can also happen on the affected side. When can this happen? The rash and paralysis typically happen at the same time. However, there have been times when one can occur before the other, and sometimes the rash never occurs. Some other symptoms can also occur. Here are just a few: Ear pain Difficulty closing one eye Vertigo Dry mouth and dry eyes When to seek treatment? If the person begins to experience facial paralysis or the rash begins to show, contact your doctor right away. If treatment can be begin with the first 3 days from when symptoms begin, this is usually a good indication that you have prevented possible long-term damage from happening.