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Can Nerve Damage In Brain Be Cured While Treating Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?
Question: I have XXXXXXX hunt syndrome and I have tinnitus along with nerve damage inside my head. I have to keep my head straight or if I move to the left or right I have lightheadedness. I saw a neurologist and he said the nerve damage is permanent and I have to live the rest of my life like this. My bells palsy is 85% improved and he also said I will not get rid of that either. Really?????
Brief Answer:
Some more info might help.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is possible unfortunately for XXXXXXX Hunt to leave some permanent damage in a percentage of patients.
Whether you are one of these patients can not be predicted with certainty, each patient is different in his nerve regeneration potential. However there are some prognostic factors which are related with residual symptoms, factors like advanced age, diabetes, complete facial palsy on the onset of the disease (as opposed to partial), time passed till start of treatment. Also you don't mention how long since the onset, the more time passes the less improvement is expected.
So if you could comment on the above factors (as you mention only your age perhaps more could be said on prognosis. If you have done tests like nerve conduction studies their report might be useful as well.
In the meanwhile I remain at your disposal.
Some more info might help.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is possible unfortunately for XXXXXXX Hunt to leave some permanent damage in a percentage of patients.
Whether you are one of these patients can not be predicted with certainty, each patient is different in his nerve regeneration potential. However there are some prognostic factors which are related with residual symptoms, factors like advanced age, diabetes, complete facial palsy on the onset of the disease (as opposed to partial), time passed till start of treatment. Also you don't mention how long since the onset, the more time passes the less improvement is expected.
So if you could comment on the above factors (as you mention only your age perhaps more could be said on prognosis. If you have done tests like nerve conduction studies their report might be useful as well.
In the meanwhile I remain at your disposal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The Bells Palsy came out first March 19 then 2 days later they discovered the shingles outside and just inside my right ear I have no hearing loss no diabetes but I did also have vertigo at the same time and was hospitalized for dehydration from the vomiting. My palsy improved 80% the 1st month but no improvement since then you cannot tell to look at my mouth but my right eye is still a little sluggish. The ENT MD put something beside my eye to see if I had movement but that's the only test that was done. I don't understand why the neurologist said it is permanent without doing any tests . I don't think I can function the rest of my life with this loopey head.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for bringing some more info.
I would say that there is still ground to hope for further improvement. I am not saying that it is guaranteed to happen, some aftermath may remain, but since it hasn't been more than 3 months the healing process is not completely over. As I said it varies from an individual to the other, but improvement has been seen during the first 6 months, at times even for up to one year, so I wouldn't be as categorical as my colleague.
At this stage it will be a natural process, it is not a question of making it happen with drugs or by switching from a specialist to the other, only time will tell. However medication can be used to alleviate some symptoms, for example for your vertigo meclizine or dimenhydrinate can be beneficial. If there is pain also there are several drugs effective for neuropathic pain. Vitamins are commonly prescribed as well although their benefit is not proven.
In terms of tests as I mentioned nerve conduction testing at the end of the first month gives some indication as to the degree of damage to the facial nerve, although since there has been already considerable improvement at 80% I wouldn't consider it that essential by now. There are no additional tests available to assess the vertigo unfortunately.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for bringing some more info.
I would say that there is still ground to hope for further improvement. I am not saying that it is guaranteed to happen, some aftermath may remain, but since it hasn't been more than 3 months the healing process is not completely over. As I said it varies from an individual to the other, but improvement has been seen during the first 6 months, at times even for up to one year, so I wouldn't be as categorical as my colleague.
At this stage it will be a natural process, it is not a question of making it happen with drugs or by switching from a specialist to the other, only time will tell. However medication can be used to alleviate some symptoms, for example for your vertigo meclizine or dimenhydrinate can be beneficial. If there is pain also there are several drugs effective for neuropathic pain. Vitamins are commonly prescribed as well although their benefit is not proven.
In terms of tests as I mentioned nerve conduction testing at the end of the first month gives some indication as to the degree of damage to the facial nerve, although since there has been already considerable improvement at 80% I wouldn't consider it that essential by now. There are no additional tests available to assess the vertigo unfortunately.
I hope to have been of help.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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