INFORMATION ON RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME II

Ramsay-Hunt syndrome type II is a very rare, progressive neurological disorder that causes epilepsy, tremor, mental impairment, and eventually death. Ramsay-Hunt syndrome is a common complication of shingles. Shingles is an infection caused by the Varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox.
Ramsay-Hunt syndrome II begins in adulthood, in the 30s. It is a relentlessly progressive degenerative disease that culminates in death, characterized by Parkinson-like tremors, and muscle jerks.

SYNONYMS OF RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME II

1. Dyssynergia cerebellaris myoclonica
2. Progressive cerebellar tremor
3. Acute facial paralyses
4. Idiopathic facial paralyses
5. Lower motor neuron facial paresis
6. Lower motor neuron facial paralyses

CAUSES OF RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME II

Some causes of Ramsay-Hunt syndrome type II are:

1. It is caused by infection with herpes virus 3 known as Varicella-zoster virus, the same one that causes chickenpox.
2. It can be inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion as a child can inherit the disorder from his affected parent.
3. Caused by abnormalities of the mitochondria within the cell.

SYMPTOMS OF RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME II

Symptoms are as follows:

1. Mental retardation
2. Jerking muscle spasms or tremors
3. Problems with muscle coordination, and difficulty walking.
4. Decreased salivation
5. Hoarseness
6. Tinnitus
7. Decreased lacrimation, hearing disorder, and vertigo.
8. Taste losses in the tongue and dry mouth and eyes may also occur.

DIAGNOSIS OF RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME II

1. Ramsay Hunt syndrome II is diagnosed based on the symptoms.
2. Muscle tremors and spasms.
3. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies can help individuals in Ramsay Hunt syndrome Type II.
4. Facial paralyses may be temporary or permanent.

TREATMENT OF RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME II

Treatment of Ramsay Hunt type II is symptomatic. Myoclonus and seizures may be treated with drugs like valproate. Some cases of herpes zoster oticus do not require treatment. When treatment is needed, medications such as antiviral drugs or corticosteroids may be prescribed. Vertigo may be treated with the drug diazepam.