Explained: Justin Bieber Suffers From Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, What Exactly Is It

Justin Bieber, the Canadian pop singer, announced on Saturday that he was suffering from temporary facial paralysis, only days after cancelling three gigs on his world tour. He had to cancel his tour dates because he was "physically, obviously not capable of doing them," he claimed.

Bieber disclosed in an Instagram video that he has been diagnosed with 'Ramsay Hunt Syndrome,' which has completely paralysed the right side of his face.

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What is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

Due to the general characteristic ear rash, the disorder is also known as herpes zoster oticus, after James Ramsay Hunt, a physician who first described it in 1907. It is a rare neurological condition that causes facial nerve paralysis and a rash that usually affects the ear or mouth. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss are common side effects.

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¡°It is from this virus that attacks the nerve in my ear and my facial nerves and has caused my face to have paralysis,¡± Bieber said in his video.

It occurs when the varicella-zoster (a DNA virus member of the herpesvirus group) virus infects a nerve in the head. The varicella-zoster virus that causes Ramsay Hunt syndrome is the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. In people with this syndrome, the virus is believed to infect the facial nerve near the inner ear.

This leads to irritation and swelling of the nerve. The condition mainly affects adults. In rare cases, it is seen in children.

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Anyone who has had chickenpox can get the condition, but it is more frequent in older adults, especially those over 60. When you have chickenpox, the virus usually stays in your nerves for a long time. It may reactivate years later and harm your facial nerves, causing Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.

The most common symptoms are a red, rainfall rash around the ear, facial weakness and paralysis. Ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, dry mouth and eyes, and difficulty closing one eye are also common symptoms of the condition. Occasionally, the virus may spread to other nerves, or even to the brain and spinal cord. This can cause confusion, drowsiness, headaches, limb weakness and nerve pain.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is usually diagnosed by looking for signs of weakness in the face and a blister-like rash. Its tests may include:

-Blood tests for varicella-zoster virus

-Electromyography (EMG)

-Lumbar puncture (in rare cases)

-MRI of the head

-Nerve conduction (to determine the amount of damage to the facial nerve)

-Skin tests for varicella-zoster virus

Strong anti-inflammatory drugs called steroids (such as prednisone) are usually given. Antiviral medicines, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir may be given.

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Sometimes strong painkillers are also needed if the pain continues even with steroids. While you have weakness of the face, wear an eye patch to prevent injury to the cornea and other damage to the eye if the eye does not close completely. Some people may use a special eye lubricant at night and artificial tears during the day to prevent the eye from drying out.

There is no known way to prevent Ramsay Hunt syndrome, but treating it with medicine soon after symptoms develop can improve recovery.

Is it related to Covid-19?

Some research has suggested that the Covid-19 vaccination and the Ramsay Hunt Syndrome are linked. According to a study conducted by Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences' Graduate Medical Education, "there may be a possible association between Covid-19 vaccination and shingles."

Another study undertaken by a team from Tulane University School of Medicine's Department of Neurosurgery and Tulane Centre for Clinical Neurosciences indicated that vaccine-related herpes zoster cases had been documented all over the world.

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