INBDE Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Guide

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a condition that occurs when the Varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles, reactivates in the geniculate ganglion. This leads to symptoms such as facial paralysis, ear pain, rash, and hearing and balance problems. It is important to note that reactivation in the other locations listed, such as the sacral ganglion and dorsal root ganglia, can lead to different conditions such as shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. The trigeminal ganglion, which is responsible for sensation in the face, may also be involved in shingles, but not specifically in Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Therefore, the correct answer is C, geniculate ganglion, as it is the specific location where the reactivation of herpes zoster leads to the manifestation of this syndrome.