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Early diagnosis and treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome: the role of magnetic resonance imaging

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

M. J. Kuo ,
P. C. Drago ,
D. W. Proops  and
S. V. Chavda
M. J. Kuo*
Affiliation:
Departments of Otolaryngology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
P. C. Drago
Affiliation:
Departments of Otolaryngology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
D. W. Proops
Affiliation:
Departments of Otolaryngology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
S. V. Chavda
Affiliation:
Departments of Radiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
*
Mr Michael Kuo, F.R.C.S., 5 Belgrove Close, Richmond Hill Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3RQ. Fax: 0121-455 8312.
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Abstract

We present the case of a 47-year-old woman with left otalgia, rotatory vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss and acute facial nerve palsy. An enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed discrete enhancement of the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves in the left internal auditory canal as well as of the labyrinth. This appearance was compatible with that in Ramsay Hunt syndrome and acyclovir was started prior to the appearance of any vesicular eruption. The diagnosis was subsequently confirmed serologically. She regained full facial function but the sensorineural hearing loss persisted. The literature pertaining to the role of the MRI in acute facial palsies is reviewed.

Keywords

Magnetic resonance imagingHerpes zoster oticusFacial paralysis
Type
Radiology in Focus
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 109 , Issue 8 , August 1995 , pp. 777 - 780
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1995

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