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It was via a video posted on his Instagram and Youtube accounts that Justin Bieber announced the cancellation of a series of concerts. The cause: a facial paralysis of which the singer is a victim, caused by the syndrome of Ramsay Hunt.
It is through a video where he appears in front of the camera that Justin Bieber has chosen to speak to talk about the evil that strikes him. He explains that he was hit in the face by partial paralysis, due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome. This infectious disease is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
Several nerves affected
The Canadian pop star explains to his fans that the virus “attacked the nerve of (his) ear and the facial nerves, which caused the paralysis of (his) face“.
The singer adds:You can see that eye is not blinking. I can’t smile on this side of my face. This nostril won’t budge“.
Rare neurological disorder
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that occurs when the varicella zoster virus affects a nerve in the head, near the inner ear.
Indeed, after having contracted chickenpox as a child or shingles in adulthood, the virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate at any time, without anyone knowing exactly why.
Painful and bothersome symptoms
In addition to facial paralysis that sags the face and makes it difficult to even feed or close the eyes, a painful rash in the ear canal and around the ear may occur.
Pimples can also appear on the tongue and palate, in short inside the mouth. Dizziness and tinnitus may complete the clinical picture, as well as hearing loss on the affected side.
Antiviral treatment needed
To treat this syndrome, the implementation of an antiviral treatment, like drugs against herpes (acyclovir, valacyclovir…), coupled with a prescription of steroids is necessary to reduce inflammation. Analgesics may also be indicated to reduce pain. The singer assures his fans that he is undergoing rehabilitation for his face, and that he is better.
Recovery may take time and in some cases may not occur. But the pop star wants to be optimistic: “It’ll be back to normal, it’s just a matter of time, but it’ll be fine“.
And to add:Obviously, my body is telling me that I need to slow down. I hope you understand and I will use this time to rest and relax, to get back to 100%.“. Unlikely, however, that he will be able to take the stage this summer.