Abstract
By now you probably would have heard about the Ramsay hunt syndrome as the Canadian singer Justin Bieber who is known worldwide for his music, has been diagnosed with this condition. Justin Bieber revealed about it on his instagram handle. He said in a video on IG a few days back that the reason behind him canceling his shows is that he has been diagnosed with a rare viral disease called Ramsay hunt syndrome. Let's discuss it in detail!
Introduction
This viral disease is also known by the name herpes zoster oticus which is caused when the outbreak of the viral condition called shingles affects the nerves in the face near one of the ears. Ramsay hunt syndrome along with causing shingles rash that is painful also can cause hearing loss (to the affected ear) and facial paralysis. The same virus which causes chickenpox is responsible for Ramsay hunt syndrome as well. When a person suffers from chickenpox, it clears after sometime but virus remains in the body. After years, it can reactivate again and may affect the facial nerves. It is a rare neurological condition which usually affects the elderly, people above the age of 60 years. Varicella zoster virus is the causative factor of Ramsay hunt syndrome, it is the same virus which causes chickenpox. Early medical intervention can prevent complications like permanent deafness.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME
There are various signs and symptoms of Ramsay hunt syndrome, but two main symptoms are:
- Fluid filled, red colored, painful rash on, around and in one ear
- Facial paralysis or weakness on the side of the affected ear
Other symptoms along with these two are:
- Hearing loss
- Pain in ear
- Tinnitus, i.e. ringing in the ears
- Dryness of eyes and mouth
- Loss of taste or change in perceiving it
- One eye is difficult to close
- Moving or spinning sensation
CAUSES OF RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME
People who have suffered from chickenpox get Ramsay hunt syndrome because the virus which causes chickenpox remains in the body even after the infection is over. This virus, when it gets reactivated even after many years, results in Ramsay hunt syndrome. It is just a shingles outbreak in which a facial nerve is affected near one of the ears. Ramsay hunt syndrome can cause facial paralysis of one side and hearing loss.
RISK FACTORS OF RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME
Not every person who gets chickenpox suffers from Ramsay hunt syndrome which means there are certain factors which increase the risk of developing it. They are:
- Older adults, i.e. people above the age of 60 years approximately
- People have compromised immune system
- It is rare in children
AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME
As per the Ayurvedic literature, Ramsay hunt syndrome is caused due to the Vata dosha vitiation as it is a neurological disease and according to Ayurveda aggravation of Vata dosha causes such conditions. Imbalance of this dosha results in certain signs and symptoms like pain, numbness, paralysis and tingling sensation. Causative factors here are considered to be too much intake of dry and cold food.
DIAGNOSIS OF RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME
Medical history, peculiar signs and symptoms and physical examination helps in diagnosing Ramsay hunt syndrome. Further to confirm the diagnosis the fluid from the blisters in the affected area is taken from which the presence of the virus is confirmed in the laboratories.
TREATMENT OF RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME
Early diagnosis and quick medical intervention helps in easing pain and decreasing the risk of complications in the patient. Certain medicines used in conventional treatment are antiviral drugs, corticosteroids, anti-anxiety medicines and pain relievers.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME
As the cause is vitiation of Vata dosha hence the treatment aims at restoring the balance of the tridosha and pacifying the Vata dosha with the help of Ayurvedic remedies and diet.
HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME
Planet Ayurveda is a well known name in the Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies which manufacturers a wide range of herbal medicines and products which are further used to treat various ailments naturally by the experienced doctors of Planet Ayurveda. For Ramsay hunt syndrome, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies.
Products List
- Trayodasanga Guggul
- Yograj Guggul
- Rasraj Ras
- Curcumin Capsule
- Neurogenie Capsule
- Anu Tailam
Product Description
1. Trayodashang Guggul
It is prepared using Guggul ( Commiphora mukul), Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera), Hauber ( Juniperus communis), Babool ( Acacia arabica), Shatavari ( Asparagus racemosus) etc. Trayodashang guggul helps in pacifying the Vata dosha and helps in managing paralysis and hemiplegia (Paralysis on one side of the body like face, arm, leg etc) eventually.
Dosage: Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.
2. Yograj Guggul
These Ayurvedic tablets are prepared using Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula), guggul ( Commiphora mukul), Ela ( Elettaria cardamomum), Pippali ( Piper longum), Devdaru ( Cedrus deodara), Jeeraka ( Cuminum cyminum), Ardraka ( Zingiber officinale), Mustaka ( Citrus rotundus), etc. It helps in preventing generalized weakness and also helps in giving strength.
Dosage: Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.
3. Rasraj Ras
This Ayurvedic formulation is prepared using Abhrak bhasma (Calcined mica ash), Swarna bhasma (Calx of gold), Vang bhasma (Calcined tin metal), Ras sindoor (Ayurvedic formulation), Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera), Laung ( Piper longum) etc. Rasraj Ras is helpful in strengthening nerves, and helps in hemiplegia and paralysis.
Dosage: Chew 1 tablet daily once after meals.
4. Curcumin Capsule
These herbal capsules are prepared using the standardized extract of the active component of Haridra ( Curcuma longa). Curcumin capsules help in fighting infection and virus in the body and also helps in boosting the immunity of the person.
Dosage: Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
5. Neurogenie Capsule
It is composed of two therapeutic herbs, i.e. Brahmi ( Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera). Herbal formulation of Neurogenie capsule helps in neurological ailments like Ramsay hunt syndrome and helps in treating paralysis as well.
Dosage: Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
6. Anu Tailam
This Ayurvedic formulation is prepared using Jivanti ( Leptadenia reticulata), Hrivera ( Coleus zeylanicus), Devadaru ( Cedrus deodara), Tvak ( Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Jalaada ( Cyperus rotundus), Yashtimadhu ( Glycyrrhiza glabra) etc. Anu tailam helps in treating various Vata and Kapha dosha originated ailments. It helps in preventing the damage to the facial nerve.
Dosage: Put 2 drops in each nostril daily.
Conclusion
Implying to all the details given in this article, I hope you must have understood in detail about the Ramsay hunt syndrome. It will help you in diagnosing the condition much earlier if you know about it. Our experts at Planet Ayurveda are always there to help in any case if you need help regarding any health issue. Do contact us at [email protected] or you can get more info about us at www.PlanetAyurveda.com
