HZO Definition

As the name implies it is a herpes virus a painful viral infection. Herpes Zoster Oticus is an infection of facial nerve most commonly seen in elderly population. Herpes Zoster Oticus is the viral infection of shingles caused by the virus “varicella zoster”. The risk of zoster increases with age. The onset of the infection may be frightening because some of the symptoms are very much alike stroke and it may lead to a permanent muscle facial weakness and hearing loss. Herpes Zoster Oticus affects both sexes equally and is not contagious.

American neurologist M.D James Ramsay Hunt (1892-1937) who did his major research on the anatomy disorders of the corpus striatum the extra pyramidal system gave his name to Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. The most common name together with Herpes Zoster Oticus is “Ramsay Hunt Syndrome II” ( keep in mind that there is another disease called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome I which stands for a disorder characterized by myoclonus and signs of cerebellar dysfunction, especially intention tremor and ataxia, and occasional tonic-clonic seizures that was described by Dr. Ramsay Hunt in 1921).

The main cause of Herpes Zoster Oticus is varicella zoster virus. Varicalle zoster causes chickenpox. Since Herpes Zoster Oticus is a potentially severe viral infection; it is wise to remember that the almost 90% of the adults in the U.S.A have had chickenpox and are at risk for zoster. The virus may sleep in the nerves and after several years be active again. As the varicella zoster virus reactivates, it causes an infection of the facial nerve that is Herpes Zoster Oticus.

Herpes Zoster Oticus is characterized by:

• Expansion of the varicella zoster virus to facial nerves
• Facial muscle weakness
• Acute Ear pain
• Painful rash
• Dizziness
• Rash which is outbreak of red bumps on the body around the;
• Ear
• Face
• Scalp
• Neck
• Paralysis of facial nerves
• Vertigo
• Hearing loss
• Taste loss
• Dry mouth

Treating Herpes Zoster Oticus on time can reduce the risk of short and long-term complications.