A viral ear infection caused by the spread of varicella-zoster virus to the facial nerves. It is characterized by intense otalgia and a cutaneous vesicular eruption. The disease is geniculate herpes zoster (MONDO_0005769). Also known as: Herpes Zoster Oticus, Herpes zoster auricularis, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, Ramsey Hunt syndrome, facial nerve palsy due to VZV, facial nerve palsy due to herpes zoster infection, facial nerve paralysis due to VZV.