Last week, international superstar, Justin Bieber shared a touching video announcing that he is suffering from a rare illness known as Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
He explained to us in simple terms, “the nerve in my ear, and facial nerves have caused my face to have paralysis”
2. It makes the patient unable to smile, wrinkle their forehead on close their eyes
The symptoms are brutal. Individuals affected are unable to smile, close their eyes or experience any movement in their face. As Bieber said, “this eye is not blinking. I cannot smile on this side of my face. This nostril will not move.”
It may also include red and painful rashes in their outer and inner ear.
3. It is named after a doctor
In 1907, James Ramsay Hunt appropriately described and diagnosed the condition, and it was named after him.
4. It is caused by a virus similar to chicken pox
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus causes chickenpox in children and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults.
Previously inactive (dormant) varicella-zoster virus is reactivated and spreads to affect the facial nerve and causes Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
5. It can be cured
The earlier it is detected, the more likely it is to be cured through effective treatment. Antiviral medications, like acyclovir, and famciclovir, alongside corticosteroids, like prednisone are the most effective medication.
