Justin Bieber, the pop phenomenon, disclosed on Friday that a viral condition had temporarily paralysed one side of his face. Bieber revealed the cause for his repeated gig cancellations by revealing that he has contracted a rare disease known as Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a neurological illness caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, which causes inflammation of face nerves. When nerves become inflamed, they lose their capacity to function, resulting in facial paralysis or palsy. What this implies is that the afflicted person’s face muscles are unable to get the required impulses to operate correctly.
Painful red rash and blisters in and around the ear, as well as facial paralysis on the same side, are among the symptoms. Apart from Tinnitus or ringing noises, patients frequently experience hearing loss in the affected ear. Dryness is caused by the inability to shut one’s eyes.
Chickenpox and shingles are both caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). This virus belongs to the herpesvirus family and can remain latent in the body, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus can lie latent in a person’s body for years before resurfacing to damage nerves. VZV can reactivate owing to a weakened immune system, according to physicians. According to several research, stress is also a trigger since it suppresses the immune system. VZV may potentially be reactivated by T-cell dysfunction induced by coronavirus infection, according to certain findings.
The patient may first complain of facial paralysis and trouble shutting one eye. The sickness takes two to three days to completely develop. Treatment as soon as possible following a diagnosis can hasten healing and lessen the risk of serious nerve injury.
Antiviral medicines, steroids, and physiotherapy are used to treat it. The therapy consists mostly of steroids and antiviral medicines.
Although the condition is not communicable, it can cause chickenpox in persons who have not been immunised. Patients are recommended to avoid contact with persons with poor immunity and those who have never had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against it until the blister scabs come off.
The condition can be reversed. Patients are healed in fifteen days to three months after beginning therapy.
