What happened to Justin Bieber?

Justin Bieber revealed in June, 2022, that he was suffering from facial paralysis, after a diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome. The international pop star, who has been on his Justice world tour, now reveals that recent shows have taken a real toll, and he needs more time to rest and get better. The news came just a month after the singer announced his return to the stage. Bieber told fans in a YouTube video, “the virus had attacked the nerve in my ear, facial nerves, and has caused my face to have paralysis. You can see this eye is not blinking. I can’t smile on this side of my face. This nostril will not move.”

What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs when the VZV infects a nerve in the head near the inner ear, having chickenpox as a child or shingles as an adult can cause the virus to lay dormant in the body. Why the virus reactivates and produces the symptoms of Ramsay Hunt is unknown.

According to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, symptoms may include a painful rash inside the ear canal or outside the ear, sometimes affecting the tongue or roof of the mouth. Due to the proximity to the inner ear, sufferers may experience vertigo, which is the sensation of dizziness or spinning, or tinnitus, which is ringing in the ear.

What can effects do Ramsay Hunt Syndrome have?

Ramsay Hunt syndrome can also lead to hearing loss on the affected side of the face. It can cause facial weakness, droop, or paralysis on the side of the face, as is the case with Bieber. That weakness may lead to difficulty in closing one eye, making facial expressions, and even eating. Treatment consists of antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir and steroids like prednisone to reduce inflammation.

If damage to the nerve is severe, a sufferer may not fully recover but otherwise should heal within a few weeks. If treatment starts within three days once symptoms have started, chances of recovery are overall much better. Adults are more likely to be affected by the condition but children who get it are likely to recover faster.

What caused Justin Beiber’s condition?

Bieber's condition, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, is caused by a virus in the facial nerve and is a more severe case of facial paralysis. Possible symptoms include blisters in the ears and on the roof of the mouth, as well as facial weakness. The syndrome can be treated with steroids, antiviral medication and facial rehabilitation. However, records report that less than half of patients recover completely.