Ramsay Hunt Syndrome complicated by Cerebral venous thrombosis (case report)

Context: Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a condition caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus in the geniculate ganglion and leads to peripheral facial nerve palsy and erythematous vesicular rash in the affected area. It is a rare disorder but is the second most common cause of peripheral facial nerve palsy without trauma. Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare cerebrovascular disease and responsible for only 0.5% of all strokes. Among its causes are oral contraceptives, infection in the central nervous system, systemic inflammations, and thrombophilia. Case report: We report the case of a previously healthy 29 years old woman diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome followed by cerebral venous thrombosis two weeks later. Her first admission to the hospital was due to pain in the face and a pulsing type right hemicranial headache. It started in the cervical region and was irradiated to the right retroorbital and auricular area, with difficulty contracting the right eyelid, otalgia, and vertigo. She used oral contraceptives, had two cesarean deliveries, and quitted smoking at 20 years old. She had multidirectional and bilateral nystagmus with fast phase to the left, right peripheral face paralysis, and crusts in the right ear canal. The patient was treated with aciclovir and prednisone, with good recovery. Two weeks later, she returned because of two episodes of convulsion and headache. Brain CTA (computed tomography angiography) showed cerebral venous thrombosis. Conclusion: Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare complication of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. It is important to stay alert to the development of vascular complications in these patients.