National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Herpes zoster oticus


Other Names:
Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2 (formerly); Hunt's syndrome (formerly); Hunt syndrome (formerly); Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2 (formerly); Hunt's syndrome (formerly); Hunt syndrome (formerly); Ramsay Hunt syndrome; Facial nerve palsy due to herpes zoster infection; Facial nerve palsy due to VZV; Facial nerve paralysis due to VZV; Geniculate neuralgia; Nervus intermedius neuralgia See More
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Herpes zoster oticus is a common complication of shingles, an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (which is the virus that also causes chickenpox). Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox and in whom the varicella-zoster virus becomes active again.[1] Herpes zoster oticus is caused by the spread of the virus to facial nerves and can cause intense ear pain; a rash around the ear, mouth, face, neck, and scalp; and paralysis of the face. Other symptoms may include hearing loss, vertigo (feeling that the room is spinning), tinnitus (hearing abnormal sounds), nausea, vomiting, loss of taste in the tongue, and dry mouth and eyes.[1][2] Some cases of herpes zoster oticus do not require treatment, but when treatment is needed, pain medications, antiviral drugs or corticosteroids may be prescribed. Vertigo is sometimes treated with medication as well. The prognosis of herpes zoster oticus is typically good, but in some cases hearing loss or facial paralysis may be permanent.[1] 
Last updated: 8/19/2016
Prompt treatment of herpes zoster oticus is important for symptom relief and long-term outlook.[3] Treatment typically includes anti-inflammatory drugs called steroids, which may reduce the inflammation of the nerves and help to ease the pain. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, are often prescribed, although whether antiviral medications are beneficial for treating this condition has not been confirmed. Strong pain medications may be prescribed if the pain continues. An eye patch may be recommended to prevent injury to the cornea (corneal abrasion) and damage to the eye if it does not close completely. Vertigo and dizziness may be treated with other medications.[4]
Last updated: 8/19/2016

FDA-Approved Treatments

The medication(s) listed below have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as orphan products for treatment of this condition. Learn more orphan products.

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Herpes zoster oticus. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • MayoClinic.com provides information about Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Click on the above link to access this information.
  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
  • The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition for patients and caregivers. 
  • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
    Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
    Herpes Zoster Oticus
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Herpes zoster oticus. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • Are there certain foods that could make the symptoms of herpes zoster oticus better or worse? See answer


  1. NINDS Herpes Zoster Oticus Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. February 14, 2011; http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/ramsay2/ramsay2.htm.
  2. Daniel Kim. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). 2011; http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/ramsay-hunt-syndrome/.
  3. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. Mayo Clinic. January 2, 2014; http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ramsay-hunt-syndrome/basics/treatment/con-20029560?METHOD=print&p=1.
  4. Joseph V. Campellone. Ramsay Hunt syndrome. MedlinePlus. May 28, 2014; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001647.htm.