In a video posted on Instagram, Bieber said he
had contracted Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which affected nerves in
his ear and face. He noted that his right eye was not blinking.
Charles Nduka, a consultant plastic reconstructive surgeon in
Britain and the co-founder of health charity Facial Palsy UK,
said about 75% of patients with the syndrome who receive early
treatment, including steroids and antivirals, make a full
recovery.
"I did notice in the video shared by Mr Bieber that he does
appear to have some evidence of recovery, which is encouraging,"
Nduka told Reuters.
"With facial paralysis one of the most obvious things is
patients are unable to close their eye fully to blink and they
are unable to smile," Nduka added.
"Before the smile recovers, the first thing that will develop is
there is increasingly symmetry in the face at rest. So, the base
of the nose often elevates slightly, and the mouth becomes more
even. On the video that was shared I could see some signs that
there is some early recovery."
Bieber, 28, said he was physically unable to perform his
upcoming shows.
Nduka said he works with patients in the entertainment industry
and it is important they first address any issues weakening the
immune system before returning to work.
"They will be under financial pressures and all sorts of
pressures to get back out there as soon as possible, but doing
so will only lead to longer term problems," he said.
(Reporting by Natasa Bansagi; Editing by David Holmes)
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