Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber is suffering from a rare problem known as Ramsay hunt syndrome. In a widely reported Instagram video, the popular artist is seen to be suffering from partial facial paralysis that has affected his ability to blink, smile, and move his cheek on the right side of the face.
What we are talking about?
The varicella zoster virus that causes Ramsay hunt syndrome is the same virus that causes chicken pox and shingles. After chickenpox clears, the virus may lie dormant in nerves which after a few years may again reactivate causing irritation and swelling of nerves.
Why virus reactivates?
Virus can get reactivated spontaneously or can be triggered by such aa weakened immune system, stress, or other infections like COVID. You see it is the disease affecting adults.
Clinical features
- A painful vesicular rash (fluid-filled blisters) in and around one ear
- Facial weakness or paralysis on the same side.
- Both rash and facial paralysis can occur at the same time, sometimes one can happen before, and sometimes we don't observe any rash.
- The patient may also have ear pain, ringing sensation in the ear, and hearing loss also
- Due to facial nerve involvement, the patient may not be able to close one eye, the face becomes asymmetrical, and there may be a change in perception of taste also.
Features of facial palsy
Can it be treated?
Prompt treatment can ease pain and decrease complications
- Antiviral drugs like acyclovir are the mainstay of treatment with high-dose steroids.
- Pain relievers may be needed as well.
- Psychological support to patients helps in speedy recovery.
Prevention
-Currently, the vaccine is available also that can prevent or can reduce the symptoms if it happens to some unlucky person.
We hope this helps you to understand what is going on with our favorite star.