Q: Is there any difference between Bell’s Palsy and what Justin Bieber reported he has?

A: Good question. Yes, there is a difference. Bell’s Palsy is also known as idiopathic facial paralysis. Idiopathic indicates that the disease or condition arises spontaneously and for which the exact cause is unknown. According to the Facial Paralysis Institute, Bell’s Palsy is a condition in which the muscles become weak or paralyzed on one side of the face. There are no rash symptoms. The paralysis tends to affect only one side of the face at a time, causing it to droop or become stiff on that side. It is thought to be caused by an injury to the 7th cranial or facial nerve. It can happen to anyone although it may occur more frequently to individuals recovering from viral infections or who have diabetes. Most people tend to recover in about six months, with or without treatment. However, seeing a Physician as soon as possible after symptoms occur and obtaining available treatment may promote faster healing.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome or herpes zoster oticus (reported by Justin Bieber) occurs when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of the ears. In addition to the painful shingles rash on the ear (zoster oticus) or in the mouth, Ramsay Hunt syndrome can cause one-sided facial paralysis and hearing loss. According to the Facial Paralysis Institute, when compared with Bell’s Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome causes more severe facial paralysis and patients are less likely to recover completely. The rash is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. When an individual has chickenpox and recovers, the virus remains inactive or dormant in their body. However, it can be reactivated later in life, causing shingles. It is possible to contract chickenpox from someone who has shingles if you have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. The risk of spreading VZV to others is low when the shingles rash is covered until the rash crusts. A vaccine for chickenpox is available. So is a vaccine for shingles in cases where the individual never received the chickenpox vaccine earlier in life. The earlier treatment is initiated with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, the better.