Ramsay-hunt syndrome come on acute or chronic onset?

Answer 1

Hi, I have been suffering with this disease for many years. I think my history will explain your question. I had my first onset when I was 29 years old. I had numerous piercings on my ears that would constantly get infected which i never treated. Fianlly, the infection turned into something way worse. Naturally, the doctors did not diagnose me properly and simply gave me some antibiotics. Two days later it was worse and they just put me on more antibiotics; when what i actually need was an anti-viral. I had 3 onsets when finally they had to call in a specialist who diagnosed me right on the spot. "Herpes Zoster" otherwise known as "Ramsey Hunt Syndrome". So unfortunately, i wasn't treated properly during my first few outbreaks and it was REALLY bad. I later found out, on a message board with people who have Ramsey Hunt, that most of the people that weren't given the right medication on the first unset of the disease, where the same people who would have "chronic" cases of the disease throughout life. People who were put on anti-viral medication within 72 hours of onset seemed to be the prople who only had it once. Some people only get it once, but there are many of us who get onsets on a chronic basis. Mine flares every 2 months and i have permanent nerve damage in my ears. They itch every day of my life (i have it in both my ears now). But even those people who only have it once can suffer a lifetime with chronic pain. I, unfortunately, suffer with chronic pain every day of my life and have problems with my balance as well. Hope this answers your question.