Justin Bieber stunned the music world with his comeback album, "SWAG," in July 2025. But before the release of his album, the star experienced a setback in June of the same year. He revealed via Instagram that he was suffering from facial paralysis due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Dr. Matthew Miller, the director of the UNC Facial Nerve Center, shed light on facial paralysis and its implications for Bieber and others who may be affected.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that affects the facial nerve, resulting in facial paralysis. It typically affects individuals who have had chickenpox caused by primary varicella-zoster virus infection. After recovery from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the nerves and reactivate years later, causing pain and a rash near the ear. Dr. Miller compared it to "shingles of the facial nerve," noting that while one in three people gets shingles, Ramsay Hunt syndrome is less common, affecting about one in 300 individuals.
The condition occurs when the virus reactivates in the geniculate ganglion, a cluster of nerve cells that control facial movements and sensations. Stress, weakened immunity, or aging can increase the risk of viral reactivation.
This tragic setback didn't deter Justin Bieber from pursuing his passion for music. Despite the setback, he continued to work hard and eventually delivered an incredible comeback with his latest album.
