Justin Bieber suffers from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, what exactly is this disease?
There is a scene recently when popular singer Justin Bieber when diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
The syndrome resulted in one side of his face being paralyzed.
Following that, Justin had to postpone his concert which was scheduled and the matter surprised many fans, including in Malaysia.
However, many people are wondering what the syndrome really is and how it affects an individual.
Cause?
For the record, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) occurs when an outbreak of shingles 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.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.
After chickenpox is gone, the virus is still alive in your nerves.
A few years later, it may be reactivated and when it does, it can affect your facial nerves.
Symptoms?
According to the Mayo Clinic site, Ramsay Hunt syndrome has two main symptoms namely a painful red rash with fluid -filled lumps in and around the ears.
Second, paralysis in the part of the face close to the infected ear.
Usually, the rash and facial paralysis occur simultaneously. However, one of the symptoms can also appear first.
If you have Ramsay Hunt syndrome, you may also have:
Earache
Hearing loss
Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
It’s hard to close one eye
Sensation of spinning or moving (vertigo)
Changes in taste perception or loss of taste
Dry mouth and eyes
Prevention
Children are now routinely vaccinated against chickenpox to reduce the chances of contracting the chickenpox virus.
Shingles vaccine for people 50 years of age and older is also recommended.
It is understood, immediate treatment for Ramsay Hunt syndrome can reduce the risk of complications, which can include permanent facial muscle weakness and deafness.
source – Gempak
