Justin Bieber’s Instagram video explaining that he was diagnosed with Ramsey Hunt Syndrome, a virus that left the right side of his face temporarily paralyzed. Instagram handout
Justin Bieber has canceled several concerts due to “illness” this week, including two in Toronto, and said on Instagram today that he has been diagnosed with Ramsey Hunt Syndrome, a virus that has left the right side of his face temporarily paralyzed.
Here’s what we know about the condition, prognosis and syndrome of the pop singer, who grew up in Stratford, Ont.
What is Ramsey Hunt Syndrome?
According to the Mount Sinai Health System in New York, Ramsey Hunt Syndrome is a painful rash seen mainly in adults that occurs when the varicella zoster virus infects a nerve in the head. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. In rare cases, the syndrome is observed in children.
What causes Ramsey Hunt syndrome?
The chickenpox virus, which causes the syndrome, is thought to infect the facial nerve near the inner ear, causing irritation and swelling.
Bieber said in a video posted on Instagram that he told fans about the diagnosis that the syndrome was “from a virus that attacks the nerve in my ear, my facial nerves and has caused paralysis in my face.”
What are the symptoms of Ramsey Hunt syndrome?
The Mount Sinai Health System Resource in New York describes the symptoms as:
- Severe pain in the ear
- Painful rash on the eardrum, ear canal, auricle, tongue and mouth cover on the side of the affected nerve
- Hearing loss on one side
- Sensation of spinning (dizziness)
- Weakness on one side of the face, which causes difficulty closing one eye, eating (food falls from the weak corner of the mouth), making expressions and making fine facial movements, as well as sagging face and paralysis on one side of the face
Bieber described his symptoms as paralysis of the face, saying that his right eye could not blink and could not smile or move his nose to the right side of his face.
“Obviously my body tells me I have to slow down,” he said in the video.
What is the treatment for Ramsey Hunt syndrome?
A New York Health System resource in New York says that strong anti-inflammatory drugs called steroids (such as prednisone) are usually given to treat Ramsey Hunt syndrome. Antiviral drugs may be given.
In general, the chances of recovery are better if treatment is started within three days after the onset of symptoms. It is not yet known when Bieber’s symptoms began.
When treatment is started within this time, most people recover completely. If treatment is delayed for more than three days, there is less chance of complete recovery.
Sometimes strong painkillers are needed if the pain persists even with steroids, according to Mount Sinai’s health resource. It is sometimes recommended to wear an eye patch to prevent corneal injury while there is weakness in the facial muscles.
In 2013, then-Federal Member of Parliament Olivia Chow was diagnosed with Ramsey Hunt syndrome type 2 and treated with drugs that kill the virus within a week.
How long does Ramsey Hunt syndrome last?
Recovery may take several weeks or more if the damage is more severe. The Mount Sinai Health System Resource in New York says that if there is not much nerve damage, patients need to fully recover within a few weeks. If the damage is more severe, they may not fully recover, even after a few months.
Justin Bieber shares the news of his diagnosis of Ramsey Hunt syndrome
Justin Bieber posted a video on his Instagram account on Friday afternoon, sharing the news.
In the video, Bieber says: “This is quite serious, as you can see.
“I will use this time to rest and relax and come back 100 percent so I can do what I was born to do. But in the meantime, it’s not. I have to go to rest so I can get my face back where it should be. “
“I’ll be fine,” he says. “I do all these facial exercises to get my face back to normal and it will return to normal. It’s just time. We don’t know how long it will take. “
-With files from the Canadian press
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