Pop sensation Justin Bieber shocked fans with an Instagram video in which he revealed that the entire left side of his face is paralyzed.
“As you can probably see from my face,” Bieber explained, “I have this syndrome called Ramsay Hunt syndrome.” The star went on to explain the symptoms he’s experiencing — and which have forced him to cancel several stops on his current tour. “It is from this virus that attacks the nerve in my ear and my facial nerves.”
What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
According to the Mayo Clinic, Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of your ears. It can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome can occur in anyone who has previously had chicken pox. The varicella-zoster virus remains in the body long after chicken pox has passed and can later reactivate as shingles. In rare cases, shingles flare ups can lead to Ramsay Hunt syndrome. The syndrome is most common in individuals over 60 — the age group most at risk for shingles.
Symptoms include a painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters on, in or around one ear, as well as facial weakness or paralysis on the same side as the affected ear. Secondary symptoms include ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in your ear), vertigo, and dry mouth and eyes.
Prompt treatment is key
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately. Left untreated, Ramsay Hunt syndrome can lead to permanent hearing loss, eye damage and postherpetic neuralgia — painful condition that occurs when a shingles infection damages nerve fibers.
