A 45-year-old presents with left-sided ear pain, vesicles in the external auditory meatus, and ipsilateral lower motor neuron facial palsy. This is Ramsay Hunt syndrome. The ganglion harbouring the dormant varicella-zoster virus that is reactivated is:

• A Geniculate ganglion ✓
• B Pterygopalatine ganglion
• C Submandibular ganglion
• D Otic ganglion

Explanation

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) results from reactivation of VZV dormant in the geniculate ganglion of CN VII. The sensory fibres of CN VII that supply the skin of the auricle, external auditory meatus, and small area behind the ear are affected, causing otalgia and vesicles. The motor component of CN VII is inflamed at the same level, producing ipsilateral LMN facial palsy. The geniculate ganglion is located at the genu (bend) of CN VII in the facial canal of the petrous temporal bone.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.