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UPSC RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME - English

RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME

Why in News?

Recently, Pop singer Justin Bieber has been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.

About

• Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, also known as Herpes Zoster Oticus, is a virus infection of the geniculate ganglion (7th cranial nerve) of the facial nerve that occurs when a shingles infection affects the facial nerve.
• When the nerves get inflamed, they lose their ability to function, leading to temporary facial palsy or paralysis.
• There are 12 cranial nerves in the body. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is the viral infection impacting the 7th cranial nerve that is involved in facial movements.
• Only about five to 10 out of every 1,00,000 people will develop Ramsay Hunt Syndrome every year, making it an extremely rare disorder.

Causes:

• Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus that has previously caused chickenpox and shingles in the patient.
• This virus belongs to the herpesvirus group and can stay in the body as a latent infection.
• Varicella Zoster Virus can get reactivated due to weakening of the immune system.
• The disease is not contagious but can lead to chickenpox in those not vaccinated for the disease.

Symptoms:

It begins with a reddish patch which may inflame into a persistent rash. Sometimes the rash gets into the eardrum, ear canal, ear lobe, tongue, and roof of the mouth on the side with the affected nerve.

Treatment:

Antiviral therapies and corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory drug) are commonly used to treat the condition.

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