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Postherpetic Neuralgia & Inner Ear Infection

A recurrence within the inner ear of the varicella zoster virus, or VZV, which is one of the human herpes viruses, can lead to a condition known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome, according to MedlinePlus. Postherpetic neuralgia is one of the possible complications of this condition.

  1. Identification

    • Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a condition very similar to shingles, also known as herpes zoster, which is caused by the same virus as chickenpox.

    Features

    • Postherpetic neuralgia is a condition in which pain sets in after a herpetic rash has gone away. The rash in Ramsay Hunt syndrome may affect the ear and mouth, according to MedlinePlus.

    Effects

    • In addition to pain, postherpetic neuralgia may lead to severe sensitivity to changes in temperature and touch, itching, numbness and headache, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Treatment

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, treatments for postherpetic neuralgia include some tricylcic antidepressant and anticonvulsant medications; injected corticosteroids; painkillers; TENS and other nerve stimulation techniques; and topical lidocaine and capsaicin.

    Other Complications

    • Ramsay Hunt syndrome can also lead to loss of use or control over facial muscles, corneal damage, pain in the back, confusion, extreme tiredness, headaches and weakness in limbs, according to MedlinePlus.

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