Brief synopsis on the medical and surgical conditions that affect the Ear, Nose and Throat.

1. EAR, NOSE AND THROAT
• HERPES ZOSTER OTICUS
(Ramsey Hunt’s Syndrome)
Dr. Chongo Shapi (BSc.HB, MBChB).
Medical Doctor
15 April 2024 1
Dr. Chongo Shapi (BSc. HB, MBChB)

2. INTRODUCTION
• Invasion of the geniculate ganglion of CN VIIth
and the CN VIIIth nerve ganglia by the herpes
zoster virus, producing;
* Severe ear pain
* Hearing loss - may be lost permanently or
recovered partially or completely.
* Vertigo - lasts for days to several weeks.
* Facial nerve palsy - transient or permanent; taste
may be lost in the anterior ⅔rds of the tongue.
15 April 2024 Dr. Chongo Shapi (BSc. HB, MBChB) 2

3. CONT’
• Branch of the facial nerve and other cranial
nerves are often involved, and some degree of
meningeal inflammation is common.
• Evidence of a mild generalized encephalitis
can be found in many patients.
15 April 2024 Dr. Chongo Shapi (BSc. HB, MBChB) 3

4. INVESTIGATIONS
• CSF;
❖Lymphocytes ++
❖↑ protein content
15 April 2024 Dr. Chongo Shapi (BSc. HB, MBChB) 4

5. MANAGEMENT
• Corticosteroid therapy is the treatment of
choice and should be started promptly
• Acyclovir for 10 days may shorten the clinical
course
• Pain is relieved with codeine
• The vertigo is effectively suppressed with
diazepam
15 April 2024 Dr. Chongo Shapi (BSc. HB, MBChB) 5

6. THE PATH IS FOR GOD TO MAKE,
MINE IS TO DISCOVER IT. UNLESS I
CAN HEAR GOD, I WONT BE ABLE TO
FIND IT.
15 April 2024 Dr. Chongo Shapi (BSc. HB, MBChB) 6

7. Thanks
15 April 2024 Dr. Chongo Shapi (BSc. HB, MBChB) 7