Herpes zoster oticus.

Abstract

Herpes zoster oticus is a radicular neuralgia and vesicular eruption around the ear with a facial palsy. Steroids have been shown to be the treatment of choice in other forms of herpes zoster. The relief of pain and residual disability have been marked. Two patients were treated with high doses of orally administered steroids with complete remission of pain, resolution of the facial palsy, and no evidence of residual auditory or vestibular symptoms. We feel the management of herpes zoster oticus should include high doses of steroids. It is hoped that surgical decompression might be avoided.