MRCP2-3525

MRCP2-3525

A 35-year-old man visits his primary care physician with complaints of intense pain in his right ear for the past three days. He also reports experiencing drooping of the right side of his face for the past 24 hours.

Upon examination, his blood pressure is 122/80 mmHg and his heart rate is 80 bpm. Neurological examination does not reveal any weakness in his limbs. He has drooping of the right side of his face and is unable to close his right eye or raise his right eyebrow. Local examination of his right ear shows vesicular lesions on an erythematous base in his external ear canal.

What is the most appropriate course of action for managing this patient?