VOCAL CORD PARALYSIS IN RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME

Varicella zoster infection is an important cause of cranial neuropathy. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome occurs as a result of the reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus infection in geniculate ganglion through the facial nerve. Paresis or paralysis of the 7th cranial nerve, vesicles along the course of the nerve and otalgia are the major clinical manifestations of the syndrome. Here we present a 75 year old female patient with hypertension, diagnosed with Ramsey Hunt syndrome who had 7th, 10th cranial nerve involvement and ipsilateral vocal cord paralysis. Etiologies other than herpes zoster infection were excluded by extensive laboratory and imaging studies. This case was one of very rare occasions, with herpes zoster oticus presenting with ipsilateral right periferal facial nerve paralysis and ipsilateral vocal cord paralysis.