Earlier this week, 28-year-old Canadian musician Justin Bieber announced to the world that he suffers from a rare syndrome that causes partial facial paralysis.
“I have this syndrome called Ramsey Hunt syndrome. As you can see, this eye does not blink. I can’t smile on that side of my face. This nostril will not move, “he said in a video on Instagram, which garnered more than seven million likes. “I wish it weren’t so, but obviously my body is telling me I need to slow down.”
To return to 100 percent, the two-time Grammy winner postponed the next few concerts of his tour to recover.
“I’ll be fine,” he said. “I have hope.”
2:22 Justin Bieber reveals that he has facial paralysis as a result of Ramsey Hunt syndrome Justin Bieber reveals that he has facial paralysis as a result of Ramsey Hunt syndrome
What is Ramsey Hunt Syndrome?
Ramsey Hunt syndrome arises from the reactivation of a viral infection, according to Dr. Charles Nduka, a consultant to plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeons in Brighton, England.
The story continues under the ad
“Many people will have heard of chickenpox, and chickenpox can cause the virus to reactivate in the form of shingles, which is a rash that will form on the body,” he told Reuters. “If this rash appears near the facial nerve, it can cause sudden facial paralysis, often associated with pain around or behind the ear.”
Popular stories
-
US gas prices are skyrocketing. that’s why
-
The breeders’ group opposes the “disgrace” of beef from Health Canada
People who develop Ramsey Hunt syndrome usually have another problem that occurs at the same time, which causes suppression of their immune system, according to Dr. Nduka, who is also a co-founder of the health charity Facial Palsy UK.
Patients with the syndrome will often notice that their eyes become dry and unable to retain fluid in their mouths.
“The symptoms Mr. Bieber described are classic facial paralysis,” said Dr. Nduka. “Just the simple thing of brushing your teeth and trying to spit out toothpaste can be very difficult if one side of your face is paralyzed.”
Ramsey Hunt syndrome has an annual incidence of 3.2 to 4.2 cases per 1,000, according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).
Read more: Justin Bieber postpones concerts in Toronto, Washington due to illness
After watching the musician’s video, Dr. Nduka said he saw signs of early recovery in Bieber. To treat the syndrome, patients are usually treated with steroids and antiviral drugs, he said.
The story continues under the ad
Retired Canadian politician Olivia Chow said she was diagnosed with Ramsey Hunt syndrome in 2013.
About 75% of patients with the syndrome who receive early treatment are expected to fully recover, he added.
“I see patients who are in the entertainment sector often with facial paralysis and have this very specific problem because of their diet,” added Dr. Nduka.
Antiviral drugs such as Valacyclovir (also known as Valtrex), Acyclovir (formerly known as Acyclovir, also known as Zovirax) or Famciclovir (also known as Famvir) are usually prescribed for seven to 10 days when Ramsey Hunt syndrome is suspected, according to Facial Paralysis UK.
However, the effectiveness of the treatment is time sensitive, says CMAJ.
The story continues under the ad
Five out of every 100,000 people develop Ramsey Hunt syndrome each year in the United States, according to the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD).
Most cases affect the elderly, especially those over the age of 60, and are extremely rare in children, NORD said.
Derrick Wade, a consultant in neurological rehabilitation and a visiting professor at Oxford Brooks University in the United Kingdom, told Sky News that recovery times can vary considerably.
“If a nerve is damaged in this way, in some people it can recover very quickly, in a few days or a few weeks, and in others it can take several months. So this is a very unpredictable affair, “he said.
– With a file from the Associated Press and Reuters
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Add Comment