Ramsay Hunt syndrome

noun

Ram·​say Hunt syndrome ˈram-zē-ˈhənt- How to pronounce Ramsay Hunt syndrome (audio)
: acute inflammation of the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve that is characterized especially by unilateral facial paralysis or weakness, a red painful blistering rash of the ear and sometimes scalp, face, and mouth, and severe ear pain, that may be accompanied by hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, dry eyes and mouth, or changes in or loss of taste, and that is caused by reactivation of the herpesvirus that causes chicken pox
abbreviation RHS
see herpes zoster oticus

Dictionary Entries Near Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Cite this Entry

“Ramsay Hunt syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/Ramsay%20Hunt%20syndrome. Accessed 2 May. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!