¡®Can¡¯t even laugh right¡¯: After Justin Bieber, Lil Nas X diagnosed with facial paralysis; experts reveal 5 possible causes

After Justin Bieber, American rapper Lil Nas X is hospitalised after suffering from a mysterious case of partial facial paralysis. On Monday, the rapper shared a video from a hospital bed revealing the condition that sent him to seek medical attention. However, the rapper is yet to reveal the reasons behind the condition.

In the original video, the ¡®Old Town Road¡¯ rapper, Lil Nas, shared the news with his 10 million followers and kept a positive attitude about the ordeal, joking and demonstrating how half of his face had become immobile.

¡°I can¡¯t even laugh right, bro,¡± he remarked with a half smile.

He went on to share about his paralysis on his Instagram story. Additionally, as his night progressed, he requested of his fans, ¡°Stop being sad for me! Shake ur ass for me instead!¡±

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Lil Nas X suffers from facial paralysis, but he is not the only one who has suffered from the condition

Lil Nas X is not the only one who has suffered from the condition. Before this, in 2022, singer Justin Bieber also suffered facial paralysis and took a break after a case of Ramsay Hunt syndrome left him unable to move half of his face.

According to CNN, there can be many underlying health conditions that cause which people may experience facial paralysis. ¡°One tends to get facial paralysis when the nerves that control facial muscles get damaged or inflamed. This can cause sudden weakness or drooping on one or both sides of the face,¡± says Dr Jayendra Yadav, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

While it is temporary, facial paralysis can impact speech, eye closure, and facial expressions, so early medical attention is important for the patient.¡±

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What is facial paralysis?

The 5 common causes of facial paralysis are Bell¡¯s Palsy, often linked to viral infections, causing sudden facial weakness. Dr Yadav adds, ¡°A stroke is a blockage or bleeding in the brain affecting the facial nerve, and one can suffer from facial paralysis.¡±

Other causes include ear infections, which can irritate facial nerves; head injuries that can directly damage the facial nerve; and even tumours pressing on facial nerves. It is imperative to seek timely intervention and manage it with the help of an expert.

5 most common reasons that could lead to facial paralysis

Facial paralysis can happen when your muscles on one or both sides of the face become weak or stop moving altogether. According to Dr Pankaj Agarwal, Head of the Department of Neurology, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai, ¡°This can further lead to drooping face, difficulty in smiling, blinking, speaking, or even making expressions. Sometimes it can also cause extreme pain. In some cases, facial paralysis can be temporary.¡±

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However, it can also have long-term effects while also affecting your confidence and daily lifestyle.

Here are the 5 most common reasons that could lead to facial paralysis:

1) Stroke: When the blood flow to the brain is suddenly blocked, it affects your nerve signals.

2) Infections: Infections of the ear, especially viral infections, can sometimes damage your facial nerves.

3) Accident or trauma: Sudden trauma to the face or head can harm the nerves, causing facial paralysis.

4) Surgery side effects: Sometimes surgeries with high risk can lead to facial paralysis, especially near your face, brain, or jaw.

5) Brain disorder: Demyelinating brain disorders, like multiple sclerosis.

¡°Face paralysis can be managed with early treatment, like medication as prescribed by the doctor or therapies,¡± says Dr Agarwal. This can help improve your recovery and also reduce the risk of long-term side effects.