Justin Bieber shared a video of him flashing a smile — an inconsequential move for most stars, but a huge one for him considering facial paralysis forced the singer to cancel his world tour.
Two weeks ago the Canadian has canceled the remaining dates of 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 the face in June.
On Wednesday, he posted an Instagram story that showed him cracking a wide smile that spread to 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 yearwhich showed that 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.
A neurological rehabilitation expert told Sky News at the time Bieber appeared to have “pretty bad” facial paralysis. and could be left with it “long term”.
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Justin Bieber shares diagnosis of paralysis in June 2022
RHS is a complication of the shingles virus that can emerge in people who had chicken pox as children.
The NHS says it is caused by a virus in the facial nerve.
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 drugs and facial rehabilitation.
The NHS says less than half of patients make a full recovery.
