Justin Bieber has shared a video of him flashing a smile – an inconsequential move for most stars, but huge for him considering facial paralysis forced the singer to cancel his world tour.
Two weeks ago the Canadian cancelled the remaining dates on his Justice world tour after postponing performances several times during his recovery from Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS).
The rare condition had resulted in complete paralysis of the right side of his face in June.
On Wednesday he posted an Instagram story showing him cracking a wide grin that spread across both sides of his face.
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It’s a stark comparison to the video Bieber posted when he was diagnosed with RHS last year, which showed the right side of his face was unable to move.
As he attempted to smile, blink, and move his face in that video, one side remained still as he continued to speak.
At the time, an expert in neurological rehabilitation told Sky News Bieber appeared to have “quite severe” facial paralysis and could be left with it “long term”.
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RHS is a complication of the shingles virus which can emerge in people who have suffered chicken pox as a child.
The NHS says it is caused by a virus in the facial nerve.
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Possible symptoms include blisters in the ears and on the roof of the mouth, as well as facial weakness.
It can be treated with steroids, antiviral medication and facial rehabilitation.
The NHS says less than half of patients recover completely.
