Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: A diagnostic dilemma

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is not just a syndrome but rather an engrossing infectious disease that is difficult to rationalize owing to unpredictable onset. Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus remains the etiological factor. The clinical depiction remains the cornerstone of diagnosis. Characteristic feature of the disease includes acute lower motor neuron facial palsy, otalgia, and mucosal and cutaneous rashes. A 37-year-old male reported to our department with pain and difficulty in closing the eye. At follow-up, the lesions got healed, but facial nerve deficit persisted. It is vital to establish an early diagnosis which aids in distinguishing the syndrome from other severe neurological illnesses, and early initiation of treatment is of prime importance to improve the impaired nerve function; hence, precise knowledge of the disease is crucial. Audiometric analysis must be performed since it can lead to permanent hearing loss.