Herpes Zoster Oticus (Geniculate Herpes; Ramsay Hunt Syndrome) By Mickie Hamiter, MD, New York Presbyterian Columbia Reviewed / Revised May 2023 View Patient Education Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Herpes zoster oticus is an uncommon manifestation of herpes zoster that affects the 8th cranial nerve ganglia and the geniculate ganglion of the 7th (facial) cranial nerve.