Latest news with #RamsayHuntsyndrome


NDTV
28-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Lil Nas X Suffers From Partial Face Paralysis: All You Need To Know
In April 2025,, global music sensation Lil Nas X surprised fans by sharing that he was battling partial face paralysis. In a candid video, he mentioned struggling to move parts of his face, raising concerns about conditions like Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Both are linked to nerve inflammation but differ in causes, symptoms, and recovery timelines. While the rapper has not disclosed an official diagnosis, medical experts suggest that conditions such as Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome could be responsible. Both conditions affect the facial nerves and can lead to temporary paralysis, but they differ in causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. According to the Mayo Clinic, prompt diagnosis and treatment can make a critical difference. Understanding the difference between these two conditions is essential to grasp what Lil Nas X, and others with similar symptoms, may be experiencing. Understanding facial paralysis: Is it Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome? Facial paralysis occurs when there is inflammation or damage to the facial nerve. Bell's palsy is often associated with viral infections, while Ramsay Hunt syndrome is linked to the varicella-zoster virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for both conditions. Here's what you need to know about each possibility. What is Bell's palsy? Bell's palsy is a sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, usually on one side. It is believed to occur when a facial nerve becomes swollen, often due to a viral infection like herpes simplex. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms typically improve within weeks, but some cases may take months to fully recover. Symptoms of Bell's palsy Common symptoms include drooping of the mouth, inability to close the eye, loss of taste, drooling, and increased sensitivity to sound in one ear. The condition typically peaks within 48 hours and may be accompanied by pain behind the ear or jaw. What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome? Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the facial nerve. Besides facial paralysis, it often causes a painful rash in or around the ear, and may lead to hearing loss or vertigo. The American Academy of Neurology states that early treatment with antiviral drugs improves recovery rates and prevents long-term nerve damage. Symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome Patients often experience facial drooping along with a painful red rash with blisters in and around the ear, mouth, or tongue. Other symptoms include tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, vertigo, and difficulty closing one eye. Some individuals might also feel weakness on one side of the body. Diagnosis and medical attention Diagnosis involves a physical examination and sometimes imaging tests like MRI to rule out stroke or tumour. Blood tests may be done if Ramsay Hunt syndrome is suspected. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses that immediate medical consultation is crucial when facial paralysis develops. Treatment options Both Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome are treated using corticosteroids to reduce nerve swelling. Ramsay Hunt cases typically require antiviral medications such as acyclovir. Physical therapy for facial muscles and eye protection methods are often recommended to support recovery. Prognosis and recovery While most people with Bell's palsy recover fully, some may experience lingering weakness. Recovery from Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be slower, and in some cases, nerve damage may be permanent. As per Mayo Clinic, starting treatment within 72 hours of symptom onset dramatically improves outcomes. Lil Nas X's openness about his health struggle shines a light on facial paralysis conditions like Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Though both can be frightening, early diagnosis and treatment are key to a strong recovery. As per Mayo Clinic experts, if symptoms of facial paralysis appear suddenly, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately for the best chance at recovery. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
P90X trainer Tony Horton is in the best shape of his life at 66. Here are his top longevity tips.
Tony Horton, best known for the hit P90X workout, said he's thriving at 66 after tweaking his routine. Horton was diagnosed with a rare illness in 2017, and since then has followed a flexible plant-based diet. His current workout routine includes more yoga but also new challenges like obstacle courses. Two decades after designing one of the best-selling home workout programs in history, personal trainer Tony Horton said he's in the best shape of his life. When Horton's creation, P90X, hit the fitness industry in 2005, it became a smash hit. The program sold more than 3.5 million copies thanks to its high-intensity blend of circuit-style training, explosive movements, and plenty of core work. By that point, Horton had a star-studded clientele, including celebs like Tom Petty, Billy Idol, Rob Lowe, and Usher. Everything shifted in 2017, when he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare neurological disorder related to the shingles virus that can cause facial paralysis, ringing in the ears, and potential hearing loss. Horton said the health scare prompted him to overhaul his routine, focusing less on hardcore workouts and more on recovery and stress reduction. "I needed to add mindfulness components to my regular routine," he told Business Insider. "I looked more to resting, listening to music, taking a nap without feeling guilty about it, focusing on my family." The upshot: doing less paid off, and Horton said he's now in better shape than ever when it comes to taking on adventures, including new physical challenges. On a recent trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Horton said he skied for six days in a row. "I couldn't do that in my 20s and 30s," he said. Horton's latest venture is Ninja Warrior and obstacle course training, navigating ropes, high bars, even the notorious "salmon ladder" at his tricked out home gym in southern California (which you can visit as part of the Paragon Experience event in May). To stay strong and healthy into his 60s and beyond, Horton relies on habits like a flexible plant-based diet, lots of mobility exercise, and finding new challenges to keep things interesting. "To maintain and sustain my athleticism, it's not just pounding the weights and running hills," he said. "Now it's really about quality of life and longevity and avoiding injury as much as possible." Around the time of his diagnosis, Horton experimented with eating a vegan diet, and found he had more energy and better recovery after exercise. While he's not strictly vegan now, he said whole, plant-based foods make up a majority of his diet. Staples like beans, nuts, and seeds are a big part of his regular meals and snacks to make sure he's getting nutrients like protein and fiber for healthy aging. "People don't realize there's a whole lot of proteins in plants," he said. A typical day of eating for Horton includes seed bread with almond butter for breakfast, a protein smoothie with berries, banana, and cashew milk after a workout, and meals like lentil tacos for lunch and dinner. Taking a more flexible diet approach and allowing for exceptions to the plant-based plan — like elk steaks on his ski trips, or desserts when his sweet tooth hits — keeps him from feeling deprived, so he can stay healthier overall in the long-term. "Stick to your plan 80% to 90% of the time and every once in a while, eat that big beautiful chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven," Horton said. As he's gotten older, while Horton doesn't work out any less, he's shifted his focus on training for longevity rather than trying to pack on as much muscle as possible. He's still kept the muscle (Horton is no stranger to lifting heavy when it feels right) but his typical sessions include a lot more yoga and "animal flow," bodyweight exercise that emphasizes agility and graceful movement. "Balance, range of motion, flexibility, and speed work are as essential as lifting weights and everything else," Horton said. He also stays active by practicing with a slackline, a creative way of building balance and stability. The key is consistency, finding time every day for exercise as a regular, habitual investment in your long-term health, just like staying on top of your finances. "It doesn't have to be a lot. You can go for an 8-minute walk," Horton said. "But it has to be consistent. You don't pay your bills every fourth month." Horton said one of his main strategies for staying youthful is finding creative ways to push himself, like Ninja Warrior-style obstacle courses. It started when Horton was humbled by a rope climb, which he expected to be easier since he was strong enough to rep out dozens of push-ups and pull-ups. Rather than accept defeat, he decided to embrace the growth mindset, and obstacle training became a new way to stay motivated and get out of his comfort zone. "The reason why I fell in love with it was because it was another level of challenge," Horton said. "Who cares if I fall or if I fail? Turn your ego off." Read the original article on Business Insider


USA Today
24-03-2025
- Health
- USA Today
What is shingles? What are shingles symptoms?
What is shingles? What are shingles symptoms? Show Caption Hide Caption How vaccine mandates have been used in schools, military, COVID-19 Vaccine mandates have been around the U.S. since 1777. Here's how much power states have to enact mandates and the history of vaccine controversies. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY Actress and director Elizabeth Banks recently discussed her "not fun" time with shingles. But what exactly is it, and how long does it last? Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People who have had chickenpox before are at increased risk of developing shingles. After a person recovers from the infection, the virus stays inactive in the body and can become reactive years later, causing shingles, the CDC said. Signs and symptoms include: Pain, itching or skin tingling Painful rash of blister-like sores Fever Headache Chills Upset stomach It typically doesn't last beyond three to five weeks, according to Johns Hopkins; the rash usually has blisters that scab over across 7 to 10 days and go away in two to four weeks. About 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will develop shingles in their lifetime, according to the CDC, and an estimated 1 million people in the country develop the disease each year. The disease causes less than 100 deaths a year. What are complications of shingles? Shingles can cause encephalitis and Ramsay Hunt syndrome, the CDC said. Encephalitis is brain inflammation and can be caused by viral infections, autoimmune inflammation, bacterial infection and insect bites, among other causes, according to the Mayo Clinic. And Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs when a shingles outbreak impacts the facial nerve near one of the ears, according to the Mayo Clinic, often causing facial paralysis and hearing loss. The virus can also cause other complications during an outbreak, such as postherpetic neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia, or long-term nerve pain, can occur even when the shingles rash clears up and can last for months or years. The agency said about 10% to 18% of people who get shingles will experience this pain, and the risk of developing it increases with age. Other complications from a shingles outbreak can include pneumonia and hearing problems. Check it out: Elizabeth Banks on perimenopause, motherhood and 'not fun' bout with shingles Is shingles contagious? Shingles is not contagious, the CDC said, but the virus that causes shingles can be transmitted and cause chickenpox in someone who has never had the disease or was never vaccinated. The virus can transmit through direct contact with fluid from shingles blisters or rash. To prevent transmission, the CDC recommends: Covering the rash Avoiding contact with the rash Washing hands often Did you read? Brooke Shields used to fear getting older. Here's what changed. The shingles vaccine: Who should get it? The CDC recommends adults 50 and older get two doses of the Shingrix vaccine to prevent shingles and complications from the disease. The agency said people should still get vaccinated even if they've had shingles or received the chickenpox vaccine. The vaccine is also recommended for adults 19 and older who have weakened immune systems.


Express Tribune
21-02-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Justin Bieber sparks health concerns with unsettling appearance at Hailey Bieber's skincare event
Justin Bieber has raised more concerns among fans after his unsettling appearance at Hailey's skincare pop-up store opening in LA on Tuesday evening. The singer concealed his eyes behind dark sunglasses and was seen grinning uncontrollably while interacting with a fan. As they chatted, Justin was observed shifting his weight from foot to foot and scratching his legs. Fans took to the comments to express their concern, with one writing: 'This is so hard to watch. Someone help him.' This comes amid ongoing worries about his health and well-being, with a source recently describing Justin as a 'loose cannon' to The series of concerning public appearances follows about six months after Justin and Hailey welcomed their first child, son Jack Blues. Many 'Beliebers' have speculated whether the pressures of new fatherhood or rumors about a troubled marriage could be affecting his health. In 2022, Justin also experienced temporary facial paralysis from Ramsay Hunt syndrome. At the time, he shared the news on Instagram, explaining that it was a complication of shingles, which led to facial paralysis. The Mayo Clinic states that while the hearing loss and facial paralysis from Ramsay Hunt syndrome are typically temporary, they can sometimes become permanent. Justin's right eye couldn't blink, and the right side of his face was immobile as he started the video saying: 'Hey everyone Justin here, I wanted to update you guys on what's been going on. 'Obviously as you can probably see with my face. I have this syndrome called Ramsay Hunt syndrome and it is from this virus that attacks the nerves in my ear and my facial nerves and has caused my face to have paralysis.' Earlier this week, Justin posted a prayer on social media after sharing provocative photos of his wife. The message to God read: 'ITS TIME TO GROW UP! CHANGING IS ABOUT LETTING GO! NOT TRYING HARDER!'