Virology: Ramsay Hunt syndrome: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Microbiology · Virology: Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Sample item

A 60-year-old has severe ear pain, vesicles in the external auditory canal, and facial weakness on the same side. Which virus has reactivated?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Varicella zoster virus

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is zoster of the geniculate ganglion giving ear vesicles and facial palsy. Treatment is antiviral therapy with steroids. It carries a poorer recovery than Bell palsy.

Option by option

  • A. Herpes simplex virus 2

    HSV-2 is mainly genital and neonatal.

  • B. Varicella zoster virus (correct)

    Correct. Reactivated varicella zoster causes Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

  • C. Epstein-Barr virus

    EBV causes infectious mononucleosis.

  • D. Cytomegalovirus

    CMV does not typically cause vesicles with facial palsy.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is B, Varicella zoster virus. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is zoster of the geniculate ganglion giving ear vesicles and facial palsy.

Why is "Herpes simplex virus 2" not the answer?

HSV-2 is mainly genital and neonatal.

Why is "Epstein-Barr virus" not the answer?

EBV causes infectious mononucleosis.

Why is "Cytomegalovirus" not the answer?

CMV does not typically cause vesicles with facial palsy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: Ramsay Hunt syndrome in Microbiology. Treatment is antiviral therapy with steroids. It carries a poorer recovery than Bell palsy.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Virology: Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.