Justin Bieber Has Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Singer Justin Bieber has canceled upcoming performances after he announced on Instagram Friday that he has Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a diagnosis more commonly seen in older adults that’s left him partially paralyzed in the face.

“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. “As you can see, this eye is not blinking. I can’t smile on this side of my face. This nostril will not move.”

Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs when shingles impact the nerves in the face, specifically near the ears. The Mayo Clinic says the syndrome can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss. The syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, varicella-zoster. For those who’ve had chickenpox, the virus continues to live in the nerves, even after the condition resolves.