The musician revealed he has facial paralysis and started a conversation about the underlying causes of the condition, triggered by viruses and even stress.
In recent weeks Justin Bieber has returned to the news due to a not very positive situation: the musician was struggling with facial paralysis. In his case, the condition was caused by a specific syndrome called Ramsay Hunt.
According to Dr. José Ricardo Gurgel Testa , an otolaryngologist at the Paulista Hospital, the condition is characterized precisely by facial paralysis, intense otalgia (ie earache) and vesicles in the auricle. It can still be associated with hearing loss and dizziness.
This syndrome, in particular, is caused by an infection of the facial nerves caused by the herpes zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox and chickenpox (and which can be prevented by vaccination).
“Because RH is caused by the varicella herpes zoster virus, treatment combines antivirals, corticosteroids, and eye care in addition to physical therapy exercises,” explains the doctor.
FACIAL PARALYSIS: OTHER CAUSES
Justin Bieber’s case is not unique, although Ramsay Hunt syndrome is rare. Facial paralysis is a relatively common condition and can be caused, according to Dr. José, due to congenital conditions, neoplasms, bacterial infections, trauma, or an unknown cause.
An interesting fact is that stress, extreme fatigue, low immunity and sudden changes in temperature can also cause facial paralysis. These cases, called Bell’s palsy, occur when the nerves in the face are affected for some reason, leading to symptoms such as crooked mouth, difficulty moving the face, and / or lack of expression in one part of the face.
This condition, according to the doctor, affects about 80,000 Brazilians a year and, in addition to altering the shape of the face and facial expressions, it can also alter people’s forms of communication and self-esteem.
“The symptom that most draws attention is the sudden, partial or total loss of movement on one side of the face, which can get worse for a few days at a time,” explains the doctor.
TREATMENT FOR FACIAL PARALYSIS
Before thinking about treatment, it is important to emphasize that early diagnosis is essential for the complete recovery of facial movements: “Facial paralysis is a medical emergency and should have the patient seek the emergency room for first aid as soon as possible”, alert. “Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial factors in the outcome of improvement or treatment.”
From there, treatment will depend on the cause, but, as a rule, requires a multifactorial approach, with a combination of medications, physical therapy, and follow-up with speech therapists.
Physical and speech therapy, among other things, will stimulate the facial and speech mimic muscles, as well as help to avoid contractures and atrophy of local muscle fibers.
In this context, the improvement depends on some factors, such as the type and extent of facial nerve damage, the clinical condition and the age of the patient. In some cases, facial paralysis resolves without treatment as the nerve swelling disappears spontaneously.
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
