Herpes zoster oticus masquerading as lateral pontomedullary syndrome

Ramsay Hunt syndrome, also known as herpes zoster oticus is usually caused by reactivation of preexisting varicella zoster virus in the geniculate ganglion. Here we report a case of herpes zoster oticus masquerading as lateral pontomedullary syndrome occurring during the pre-eruptive phase of chicken pox. The case is being reported for its rare and unusual clinical presentation.