More Justin Bieber shows have been cancelled following news this summer that he was suffering from a rare condition that paralyzed one side of his face.
Justin Bieber has cancelled the remaining shows on his international tour after revealing in June that he’s suffering from a rare condition called Ramsay Hunt syndrome that had paralyzed one side of his face.
Although the singer had resumed touring in July, performing six shows, he posted on Twitter in September that the performances “had taken a real toll on me.” The tour’s official Twitter page announced the latest cancellation.
Bieber hasn’t posted a new update about cutting the tour short. Here are answers to common questions about Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
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Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that can occur in people who were previously infected with chickenpox.
If the dormant varicella-zoster virus is reactivated, leading to shingles, it can affect the facial nerve and may lead to facial paralysis and hearing loss.
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), Ramsay Hunt syndrome is rare — affecting about 5 in 100,000 people in the United States, according to one estimate. Older adults are more likely to be affected.
What are the symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
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Last year, Bieber described the effects of Ramsay Hunt syndrome in an Instagram video. “It is from this virus that attacks the nerve in my ear and my facial nerves, and has caused my face to have paralysis,” he said. “As you can see, this eye is not blinking. I can’t smile on this side of my face. This nostril will not move.”
How is Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosed and treated?
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The syndrome is usually diagnosed through a detailed medical history and identifying the characteristic rash and facial paralysis.
This can be difficult, however, as symptoms may not appear at the same time, according to NORD. In some cases, the rash may be completely absent, the Mayo Clinic says.
Once Ramsay Hunt syndrome is diagnosed, antivirals and steroids are recommended.
How severe is Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
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According to British charity Facial Palsy UK, prompt treatment can make a significant difference to a patient’s outcome, with about 70 percent of those who receive antiviral medication within three days of developing symptoms making a full recovery.
Mild cases can resolve within a few weeks, the charity says, but more severe damage to the nerve leads to a longer recovery time and lower chances of a complete return to health.
Bieber has said he is focusing on resting and doing facial exercises to help his recovery: “It will go back to normal — it’s just time, and we don’t know how much time that’s going to be.”
