Pop sensation Justin Bieber recently made headlines as he announced the cancellation of upcoming tour dates due to ongoing health issues stemming from a rare medical condition known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome. This condition previously caused temporary paralysis on one side of his face.

Unpacking Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare medical condition triggered by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. It’s one of several health challenges Bieber has disclosed, including Lyme disease, Epstein Barr, and chronic anxiety.

The singer first revealed his diagnosis on Instagram in June 2022, explaining to his followers that he experienced difficulty blinking his eye or flaring his nostril on the affected side of his face. These symptoms led to the cancellation of tour dates during that summer to prioritize his health.

Facial paralysis is a key symptom of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, caused when the varicella-zoster virus infects the facial nerve. This virus is commonly associated with chickenpox and can also lead to shingles, a painful rash that occurs when the virus reactivates after chickenpox recovery, as per the CDC.

Managing Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Thanks to routine chickenpox vaccinations, the chances of contracting the virus have decreased significantly. The vaccine was introduced in the U.S. in 1995 and approved for use in Canada, Bieber’s home country, in 1998.

Aside from facial paralysis, Ramsay Hunt syndrome may also result in hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and painful blisters near the ear. It’s estimated to affect around 5 out of every 100,000 individuals in the United States annually, according to the Rare Disease Database.

While some cases of Ramsay Hunt syndrome can lead to permanent paralysis, most individuals experience symptom resolution with treatment. Common approaches include antiviral medications and corticosteroids, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic.