Justin Bieber reveals he has suffered facial paralysis from Ramsay Hunt syndrome after tour concert cancellations: ‘This is pretty serious’
Justin Bieber has revealed that he has suffered facial paralysis from Ramsay Hunt syndrome just days after cancelling dates on his Justice World Tour.
The 28-year-old pop star took to his Instagram on Friday to share a three-minute video explaining the diagnosis which is a complication of shingles that can lead to facial paralysis.
Justin’s eye was unable to blink in the video as he began the video saying: ‘Hey everyone Justin here, I wanted to update you guys on what’s been going on.
Sad news: Justin Bieber has revealed that he has suffered facial paralysis from Ramsay Hunt syndrome just days after cancelling dates on his Justice World Tour.
Tough: The 28-year-old pop star took to his Instagram on Friday to share a three-minute video explaining the diagnosis which is a complication of shingles that can lead to facial paralysis
‘Obviously as you can probably see with my face. I have this syndrome called Ramsay Hunt syndrome and it is from this virus that attacks the nerves in my ear and my facial nerves and has caused my face to have paralysis.’
Justin’s eye was unable to blink in the video as he began the video saying: ‘Hey everyone Justin here, I wanted to update you guys on what’s been going on’
‘Obviously as you can probably see with my face. I have this syndrome called Ramsay Hunt syndrome and it is from this virus that attacks the nerves in my ear and my facial nerves and has caused my face to have paralysis,’ Justin continued
WHAT IS RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME? THE RARE COMPLICATION OF SHINGLES THAT LEADS TO FACIAL PARALYSIS
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a complication of shingles, caused by the same virus as chickenpox (VZV), that can lead to facial paralysis.
The virus becomes reactivated after laying dormant for years and causes inflammation and irritation on the facial nerves.
VZV is harmless unless it is reactivated and should this happen new symptoms will appear.
The virus can be reactivated when the immune system is weakened, and less able to fight off infection. Stress is often a trigger.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a complication of shingles that can lead to facial paralysis
Figures suggest that five in every 100,000 adults in the US will develop RHS. It poses a similar threat in the UK, according to the NHS.
Children are rarely affected by RHS, as the complication most often affects adults in their 60s.
Treatment usually involves antiviral medication. Doctors recommend seeking help within three days of the start of symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
- Facial muscles droop
- Difficulty closing the eye
- Altered taste
- Loss of facial expression
- Difficulty eating, drinking and speaking
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