All You Should Know About Bieber’s Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

On Friday the 10th of June 2022, via a video, Justin Bieber announced that he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Already, one side of his face was paralysed. Consequently, the ace singer who was on a world tour had to pause touring. 

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is such a rare condition therefore just a handful of people know about it. If you are a part of the larger majority that are unaware of this disease just keep reading. This is a simplified explanation of Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

What is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

According to medical practitioners, Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a viral infection of a facial nerve. This neurological disorder occurs when the Varicella zoster virus infects specific nerves in the head. Another name for this disorder is Herpes zoster oticus.

Furthermore, the Varicella zoster virus is the cause of chicken pox. Therefore, people who have had chickenpox carry the dormant virus in their nerves. If years later, the dormant virus becomes active it could infect this facial nerve. This infection is called Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

Is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome a Permanent Condition?

Usually, Ramsay Hunt is wholly treated and the victims return to living healthily. However, in some cases, it leads to permanent hearing loss and facial muscle weakness.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare illness but it can be treated effectively. Most times victims experience a full recovery, especially when detected timely.

Symptoms of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Like most illnesses, early detection of Ramsay Hunt is key to surviving it without any permanent adverse effects. Here are some signs and symptoms of Ramsay Hunt according to medical researchers.

• A painful red rash with blisters on the tongue, palate, inner/outer ear, and eardrum vertigo

• Eye ache and difficulty in closing one of your eyes.

• Deafness of the affected ear.

• Facial muscle weakness. This usually occurs on the side of the face with an affected ear.

• Sometimes, facial expressions are altered. 

• Loss of taste or a drastic change in your sense of taste.

Is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Contagious? 

Thankfully, Ramsay Hunt syndrome is not a communicable disease. It can not be passed from one person to another through contact. 

However, a person with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome can give chickenpox to a person who has never had chickenpox. Remember, the virus that causes Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Who is at Risk of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a rare disease and it is even rarer in children. However, people who are above 60 and have suffered from chickenpox in the past are at more risk of suffering from this disease.

Nonetheless, patients of Ramsay Hunt should avoid people with a weak immune system, pregnant women and infants.

What Happens if there is a Complication?

Although this is a rare scenario, however, if Ramsay Hunt is not detected timely and treated, it could lead to permanent hearing loss and facial muscle weakness.

To treat Ramsay Hunt kindly consult a doctor.

Finally, our prayers are with Justin Bieber. We hope the superstar recovers fully.

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