Justin Bieber canceled several concerts due to “illness” this week, including two in Toronto, and said on Instagram today that he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, a virus that left his right side temporarily paralyzed. Here’s what we know about the condition, prognosis and syndrome of Stratford pop singer Ont.

What is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

According to the source of the Mount Sinai Health System in New York, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a painful rash that occurs mainly in adults and occurs when the varicella-zoster virus infects a nerve in the head. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. In rare cases the syndrome is observed in children.

What causes Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

The chickenpox virus that causes the syndrome is thought to infect the facial nerve near the inner ear, leading to irritation and swelling. Bieber said in a video posted on Instagram telling fans about the diagnosis that the syndrome is “from a virus that attacks the nerve in my ear, the nerves in my face and has paralyzed my face.”

What are the symptoms of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

The New York Mount Sinai Health System resource describes the symptoms as follows:

Severe pain in the ear Painful rash on the eardrum, ear canal, earlobe, tongue and roof of the mouth on the side with the affected nerve Hearing loss on one side Sense of rotation of things (vertigo) Weakness on one side of the face that causes difficulty in closing one eye, in food (food falls from the weak corner of the mouth), in making expressions and making fine movements of the face, as well as falling of the face and paralysis in one side of the face

Bieber described his symptoms as facial paralysis, saying that his right eye could not blink and that he could not smile or move his nose to the right side of his face. “Obviously, my body is telling me I need to slow down,” he said in the video.

What is the treatment for Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

The New York Mount Sinai Health System resource says that strong anti-inflammatory drugs called steroids (such as prednisone) are commonly used to treat Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Antiviral drugs may be given. Overall, the chances of recovery are better if treatment is started within three days of the onset of symptoms. It is not yet known when Bieber’s symptoms began. When treatment is started within this time, most people fully recover. If treatment is delayed for more than three days, there is less chance of a full recovery. Sometimes strong painkillers are also needed if the pain persists even with steroids, according to a Mount Sinai health source. The use of an eye patch is sometimes recommended to prevent corneal injury while there is weakness of the facial muscles. In 2013, then-MP Olivia Chow was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Type 2 Syndrome and was treated with medication that blocked the virus within a week.

How Long Does Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Last?

Recovery may take a few weeks or more if the damage is more severe. The New York Mount Sinai Health System resource says that unless there is a lot of nerve damage, patients should fully recover within a few weeks. If the damage is more severe, they may not fully recover, even after several months.

Justin Bieber shares the news of the diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Justin Bieber posted a video on his Instagram account on Friday afternoon sharing the news. In the video, Bieber says, “This is very serious, as you can see. “I will use this time to rest and relax and get back to 100 percent so I can do what I was born to do. But in the meantime, this is not it. I have to go to rest, so I can turn my face to where it’s supposed to be. “ “I will get better,” he says. “I do all these facial exercises to get my face back to normal and it will return to normal. It’s just the time. We do not know how much time will pass. “ -With files from the Canadian Press The Morning and Afternoon Newsletters are compiled by Globe editors, giving you a brief overview of the day’s most important headlines. Register today.