Justin Bieber has taken to Instagram to share his recent diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can cause facial paralysis. The news comes a few days after Bieber postponed a number of tour dates — including a pair of shows in Toronto — citing health concerns.
In the Instagram video, it's clear that the right side of Bieber's face is unable to move as it normally would, causing his eyes to blink irregularly. "It is from this virus that attacks the nerve in my ear — my facial nerves — and has caused by face to have paralysis," he told fans.
"So for those who are frustrated by my cancellations of the next shows, I'm just physically, obviously, not capable of doing them," he continued. "This is pretty serious, as you can see. I wish this wasn't the case, but, obviously, my body is telling me I gotta slow down."
The 28-year-old pop star went on to say that he would take time to rest so that he can get back to "what [he] was born to do." He also told fans that his face would eventually "go back to normal," and that he's been doing facial exercises during the recovery process.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, and can live dormant in the facial nerves long after recovery from chickenpox or shingles. Without prompt treatment, there's a risk of permanent facial muscle weakness and deafness, as the affected nerve is often located at the ear. Well wishes to J Biebs on his recovery!
See the video below.
In the Instagram video, it's clear that the right side of Bieber's face is unable to move as it normally would, causing his eyes to blink irregularly. "It is from this virus that attacks the nerve in my ear — my facial nerves — and has caused by face to have paralysis," he told fans.
"So for those who are frustrated by my cancellations of the next shows, I'm just physically, obviously, not capable of doing them," he continued. "This is pretty serious, as you can see. I wish this wasn't the case, but, obviously, my body is telling me I gotta slow down."
The 28-year-old pop star went on to say that he would take time to rest so that he can get back to "what [he] was born to do." He also told fans that his face would eventually "go back to normal," and that he's been doing facial exercises during the recovery process.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, and can live dormant in the facial nerves long after recovery from chickenpox or shingles. Without prompt treatment, there's a risk of permanent facial muscle weakness and deafness, as the affected nerve is often located at the ear. Well wishes to J Biebs on his recovery!
See the video below.