Justin Bieber says he has facial paralysis due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome
(CNN) - Justin Bieber announced Friday that he is taking a break from performing because he is suffering from paralysis on one side of his face.
In a video posted on his verified Instagram account, the singer explained that he has Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which has left him unable to move half of his face and unable to take the stage.
"It is from this virus that attacks the nerve in my ear and my facial nerves and has caused my face to have paralysis," he said in the video.
"As you can see this eye is not blinking. I can't smile on this side of my face; this nostril will not move. So there's full paralysis on this side of my face."
According to the Mayo Clinic, Ramsay Hunt syndrome "occurs when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of your ears.
In addition to the painful shingles rash, Ramsay Hunt syndrome can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear."