I missed a practice question today about this syndrome, which I had never heard of before. It's also called "herpes zoster oticus," which is essentially varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation in the geniculate ganglion of cranial nerve VII. The classic triad of symptoms includes peripheral unilateral facial paralysis, ear pain, and vesicles in the auditory canal. Ouch. In any case, I didn't realize that VZV reactivation in the ear had a special name, other than shingles. Treatment is with antivirals (acyclovir) and analgesics. Some people like to use prednisone. Pretty picky question if you ask me. I don't think VZV reactivation in the other cranial nerves has a special name, or at least I hope not. The possibilities would be endless.