Getting To Know Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, Facial Paralysis Disorder Experienced By Justin Bieber

Illustration (Gorodenkoff/Istockphoto)

JAKARTA - Singer Justin Bieber uploaded a post on his Instagram on Friday, June 10 local time. The post reveals that she is suffering from Ramsay Hunt syndrome which causes half of her face to become paralyzed.

Amit Kochhar, MD, who is an otolaryngologist (ENT) and director of the Facial Nervous Disorders Program at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, explains that Ramsay Hunt syndrome is extremely rare.

"Ramsay Hunt syndrome is the second most common cause of atraumatic peripheral facial paralysis, after Bell's Palsy, but is slightly more severe. However, it only occurs in about five out of 100,000 people," he said.

"This is caused by reactivation of the herpes zoster virus on the face, which makes chickenpox sufferers susceptible to the varicella-zostar virus since childhood," he continued.

Amit explained, Ramsay Hunt is caused by high stress or immunosuppression, as well as by immunosuppressant drugs or other underlying conditions.

"Your body can't fight infection," explains Amit.

The virus that causes chickenpox remains dormant in the body. Until something triggers it again in the form of shingles (Ramsay Hunt), which can inflame various nerves in the stomach, back, and face.

Symptoms of Ramsay Hunt

According to Amit, Justin's facial paralysis is caused by nerves originating in the brain and traveling through the bone "tunnel". The nerves enable facial expressions and the ability to convey emotions. But when inflamed, the nerves expand but the bones don't move.

"Basically, it destroys nerves," says Amit.

"Other side effects include hearing loss, severe vertigo, and rashes or blisters that occur on the ears or cheeks. Headaches and vomiting are also common."

Amit explained that once diagnosed, Ramsay Hunt can be treated with high doses of steroids and antivirals, which can be taken orally at home. For more severe cases, the patient will be hospitalized.