"Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) occurs when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of your ears.
In addition to the painful shingles rash, Ramsay Hunt syndrome can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear."
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.
After chickenpox clears up, the virus still lives in your nerves.
Years later, it may reactivate. When it does, it can affect your facial nerves.
Prompt treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome can reduce the risk of complications,
which can include permanent facial muscle weakness and deafness.
A painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters on, in and around one ear
Facial weakness or paralysis on the same side as the affected ear
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a shingles outbreak that affects the facial nerve near one of your ears.
It can also causes one-sided facial paralysis and hearing loss.