Warning Signs Of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Dry Mouth And Eyes

Individuals with facial paralysis as a result of Ramsay Hunt syndrome may report having excessive dry mouth and eyes. The eyes have a natural mechanism of keeping themselves moisturized and lubricated adequately at all times. When anything interferes with this mechanism, the eyes will become dry and irritated. Ramsay Hunt syndrome often causes a loss of movement in the face, including the eyes and mouth. This paralysis can cause the eye on the affected side of the face to lose its ability to blink regularly. Blinking is a significant component of the mechanism that keeps the eyes moisturized and lubricated. As a result of reduced blinking, the eyes will quickly dry out and become inflamed. Just like the eyes, the mouth also has its mechanism of keeping moist and producing an adequate amount of saliva. However, the facial paralysis that occurs in Ramsay Hunt syndrome can make it difficult for a patient to close their mouth completely. The inability to do so results in the excessive drying of the mucous membranes inside of the mouth and loss of saliva. Both effects on the mouth can happen at any time, but they occur most often during the night.