A variety of HERPES ZOSTER infection (shingles), in which the reactivated virus is situated in the geniculate ganglion of the TRIGEMINAL NERVE. It causes a painful rash on the outer ear or scalp, with weakness of muscles, difficulty closing the eye or blinking and altered taste on the affected side of the face and tongue (often with unilateral hearing loss and tinnitus). Treatment is with ACICLOVIR.