[Dysphagia] Ramsay Hunt syndrome

[MULTARIA at nychhc.org (Alicia Multari)]

71yom a/w difficulty swallowing, voice change/hoarseness for 3 days with right facial weakness. ENT w/u revealed right vocal cord paralysis, neurological workup was negative for acute pathology. Neurology confirmed Ramsay Hunt syndrome via CSF detection of VZV. Patient w/ obvious CN IX, X impairement. Swallow instrumentation revealed moderate pooling w/ penetration and silent aspiration, a right head turn w/ effortful swallow and chin tuck appeared to resolve some of the pooling.  

Patient is now being treated w/ acyclovir IV (day #2). Voice is still hoarse and breathy. 


My question : Any comments re: how long will it take for symptoms to resolve? do they resolve? any experience w/ this type of patient? 

Thanks in advance

Alicia Multari, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Elmhurst Hospital Center
79-01 Broadway
Elmhurst, NY 11373

718 334-3398 (office)
718 334-3909 (fax)

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