Pop sensation Justin Bieber revealed on Friday that a viral disease has temporarily paralyzed one side of his face. Speaking about the reason behind the recent cancellations of his shows, Bieber said he has developed a rare condition called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. In an Instagram video, Bieber said the condition has fully paralyzed the right side of his face. "As you can see, this eye is not blinking. I can’t smile on this side of my face... So there’s full paralysis on this side of my face, "he said.

So, what is the Ramsay Hunt Syndrome? How is it diagnosed and treated? What is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome? Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a neurological disease in which a virus – Varicella Zoster – causes inflammation of the nerves involved in facial movements. When the nerves get inflamed, they lose their ability to function, leading to temporary facial palsy or paralysis. What it means is that the facial muscles of the infected person cannot receive the necessary signals to function properly. "There are 12 cranial nerves in the body. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a viral infection impacting the 7th cranial nerve that is involved in facial movements. The inflammation caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus makes the nerve ineffective, "says Dr (Col.) JD Mukherji, Principal Director and Head of Neurology, Max Healthcare at Saket, Delhi. What are the symptoms of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome? The symptoms include a painful, red rash and blisters in and around the ear and facial paralysis on the same side. Patients also report hearing loss in the ear that has been impacted apart from tinnitus or ringing sounds. Inability to close the eye causes dryness."You can get a rash on the eardrum, the ear canal, and the earlobe." Rashes can also appear inside the mouth, on the tongue. There is hearing loss, vertigo, or a spinning sensation. It causes weakness in one side of the face and causes difficulty in closing one eye and eating as food falls off from the affected side. "There is drooping of the face," said Dr. Mukherji. What is the virus that causes Ramsay Hunt Syndrome? The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. According to the US Centre for Disease Control and Protection, this virus belongs to the herpes virus group and can stay in the body as a latent infection. The virus can stay dormant in a person’s body and can be reawakened to attack the nerves. According to doctors, VZV can get reactivated due to a weakening of the immune system. Stress is also considered a trigger, according to some studies, as it depresses the immune system. Some reports also suggest that T-cell dysfunction caused by coronavirus infection can reactivate VZV. How does the disease progress? Initially, the patient may complain of facial weakness and a little difficulty in closing one eye. The disease fully manifests in a matter of two to three days. Prompt treatment after diagnosis can speed up the recovery and reduce the chances of severe nerve damage.

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How is Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome treated? It is treated using antiviral drugs, steroids, and physiotherapy. Steroids and antiviral drugs are the cornerstones of the treatment, says Dr. Mukherji. Facial exercises are very important. Patients need to protect their eyes. When one eye doesn’t close, there is a chance of developing corneal aberration. Patients must use tear drops and use eye protection. "They should wear glasses when they go out, and tape the eye that has been affected when they sleep at night," he adds. Is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome contagious? The disease is not contagious but can lead to chickenpox in those not vaccinated for the disease. Patients are advised to avoid contact with those who have low immunity, have never had chickenpox, or have not been vaccinated against it until the blister scabs fall off. Do patients recover fully from Ramsay Hunt Syndrome? The disease is reversible. Patients get cured within 15 days to three months of starting the treatment."The take-home message is that it can be cured." Near-complete resolution happens. Even the hearing loss is reversible. A little bit of residual facial palsy may remain. There may be just a little bit of a lag in the closure of the eye later on. "That's very minor," Dr. Mukherji pointed out.