June 11, 2022: Ramsay Hunt syndrome starts with a shingles outbreak with painful red rashes in an around one ear. This affects the facial nerve near one of your ears. In addition to the painful shingles rash, Ramsay Hunt syndrome can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear.

Popular singer Justin Bieber took to Instagram to reveal to his followers that he has a rare syndrome called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome which causes facial paralysis. Due to this, the right side of the Grammy winner’s face is paralysed.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox clears up, the virus still lives in your nerves. Years later, it may reactivate. When it does, it can affect your facial nerves, according to Mayo Clinic of US..

Immediate treatment can reduce the risk of complications, which can include permanent facial muscle weakness and deafness.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

•             Painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters on, in and around one ear

•             Facial weakness or paralysis on the same side as the affected ear

Usually, the rash and the facial paralysis occur at the same time. Sometimes one can happen before the other. Other times, the rash never occurs.

SOME OTHER SYMPTOMS COULD BE

•             Ear pain

•             Hearing loss

•             Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)

•             Difficulty closing one eye

•             A sensation of spinning or moving (vertigo)

•             A change in taste perception or loss of taste

•             Dry mouth and eyes