Post-Ramsay Hunt...

[Paraphrased from Wikipedia] Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (Type II) is a disorder that is caused by the re-activation of pre-existing herpes zoster virus in the geniculate ganglion, a nerve cell buncle which is responsible for the movements of facial muscles, the touch sensation of a part of the ear and the ear canal, the taste function of the frontal two-thirds of the tongue, and the moisturisation of the eyes and the mouth. The symptoms and signs include acute facial nerve paralysis, pain in the ear, taste loss in the front two-thirds of the tongue, dry mouth and eyes, as well as eruption of veiscles in the ear canal, the tongue and/or the hard palate. Since the vestibulocochlear nerve is in proximity of the geniculate ganglion, it may also be affected, causing tinnitus, hearing loss and vertigo. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (Type II) can essentially be said to be shingles of the geniculate ganglion. In brief, the herpes zoster virus - which causes chicken pox - lies dormant in various nerve cells in the body, where it is kept in check by a person's immune system. Given the opportunity, e.g. during an illness which suppresses the immune system, the virus isre-activated and travels to the end of the nerve cell, where it causes the symptoms and signs mentioned above. The largest study on the treatment of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (Type II) has shown that complete recovery can be achieved in 75% of patients if treatment with prednisolone and acyclovir is started within 3 days of the onset of symptoms. Chances of complete recovery decrease as treatment is delayed. Studies have shown that half of all patients whose treatment was delayed suffered a complete loss of response to facial nerve stimulation.

I remember that Saturday, when Jess, Eunice, Rev Chng and I were enjoying coffee/hot chocolate at Starbucks@Capital Towers. Jess was worrying about whether she would recover from her facial nerve paralysis in time for our photoshoot in March, so that she would be able to smile properly [like this =) ] by then. Rev Chng replied, with an air of confidence, "只要你有信心, 一定可以的!"

Indeed. Thank God! =)