All about Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, the rare facial ailment that Justin Bieber suffers from

Justin Bieber has announced that he has been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which has rendered the right side of his face completely paralysed.  What exactly is it? Is it possible to treat it?

Justin Bieber, the pop sensation, 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. Bieber revealed the disease had completely paralysed the right side of his face in an Instagram video. “This eye isn’t blinking, as you can see. On this side of my face, I’m unable to smile… So this half of my face is completely paralysed,” he explained.

What is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, and how does it affect you?

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a neurological illness caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, which causes inflammation of facial nerves. When nerves become inflamed, they lose their ability to function resulting in facial paralysis or palsy.

What this means is that the afflicted person’s facial muscles are unable to receive the required impulses to function properly.

There are 12 cranial nerves in the body. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is the 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

How do you know if you have Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

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 sounds, patients also experience hearing loss in the affected ear. Dryness is caused by the inability to close one’s eyes.

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 the 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.

What is the course of the disease?

The patient may initially complain of facial paralysis and trouble shutting one eye. The sickness takes two to three days to fully develop. Treatment as soon as possible after a diagnosis can hasten recovery and lessen the risk of serious nerve injury.

What is the treatment for Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

Antiviral medicines, steroids, and physiotherapy are used to treat it. The treatment consists primarily of steroids and antiviral medicines. The importance of facial exercises cannot be overstated. Patients must wear eye protection.

Corneal aberration can occur when one eye does not close completely. Teardrops and eye protection are required for patients. When they go out, they should wear glasses, and when they sleep, they should tape the affected eye.

Is it communicable to have Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

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.

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. Little bit of residual facial palsy may remain. There may be just a little bit of lag in the closure of the eye later on.