Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  1997 Jul;40(7):996-1002.

Clinical Analysis of the Treatment and Prognosis of Herpes Zoster Oticus

• Kim GT
• Lee SH
• Sim JH
• Yun SH

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster oticus is a reactivation of latent varicella-zoster infection associated with otalgia, vesicle, facial nerve palsy, sensorineural hearing loss & vertigo. Facial paralysis is rapid in onset, usually severe in degree, and poor in prognosis.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the treatment and prognosis of Herpes zoster oticus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Retrospective study of 12 cases of Herpes zoster oticus from May 1992 to February 1996, which had been treated with acyclovir and steroid was done.
RESULTS
All patients had otalgia, vesicle and facial palsy. All patients had been treated with adequate dosage of prednisolone & acyclovir. The complete recovery rate from facial palsy was 58%.
CONCLUSION
Factors predicting good prognosis are as follows. 1) low degree of facial palsy on admission 2) delayed onset of facial palsy from initial symptom 3) early treatment for facial palsy 4) electrical test: Nerve excitability test(<3.5 mA difference) Electroneurography(>10%).

Keyword

Herpes zoster oticus; Facial nerve palsy; Acyclovir; Prognosis

MeSH Terms

Acyclovir
Earache
Facial Nerve
Facial Paralysis
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural
Herpes Zoster Oticus*
Herpes Zoster*
Humans
Paralysis
Prednisolone
Prognosis*
Retrospective Studies
Vertigo
Acyclovir
Prednisolone