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Health

Justin Bieber says he has facial paralysis from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, cancels more shows

Justin Bieber points to the right side of his face as he talks about his facial paralysis. (Instagram: Justin Bieber)

Singer Justin Bieber has revealed he can't blink or smile on the right side of his face as he is suffering from a rare neurological disorder.

In an Instagram video, the 28-year-old told fans he was cancelling shows because he is being treated for Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

Bieber demonstrated he couldn't blink his right eye, smile on the right side of his face or move his right nostril.

He has also said it has been getting "progressively harder" for him to eat.

"For those who are frustrated by the cancellations of the next shows, I'm just physically, obviously, not capable of doing them," Bieber said.

"This is pretty serious, as you can see.

He went on to say he was resting and doing facial exercises to get his face "back to normal".

"We don't know how much time that's going to be but it's going to be OK," he said.

"I have hope and I trust god and I trust that this is all for a reason.

"I'm not sure what that is right now but in the meantime I'm going to rest and I love you guys."

A few hours after the initial video, Bieber posted an Instagram story in which he wrote: "Been getting progressively harder for me to eat which has been extremely frustrating please pray for me".

What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare but serious condition.

It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.

Symptoms include facial paralysis or weakness, a rash on the ear, hearing loss, tinnitus, dry mouth and change or loss of taste.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be treated with antiviral medications and corticosteroids.

However, facial paralysis and hearing loss can be permanent for some people.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is similar but worse than Bell's palsy, another condition that causes facial paralysis.

Last year, NSW Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello was diagnosed with Bell's palsy after worried viewers of a press conference noticed his drooping face and urged him to seek medical attention.

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