Since Justin Bieber spoke out about his Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) diagnosis, more people are becoming aware of the condition.
Today, we caught up with Nicoya, who was diagnosed with RHS last year.
"I think it's really powerful that Justin Bieber has spoken out about his RHS diagnosis.
"RHS is rare, meaning that few people will know about the condition. Even some medical professionals might not have heard of it before, or know little about it.
"I'm glad that Justin Bieber is using his huge public profile to raise awareness, which will help to close that gap in knowledge.
"A common misconception is that RHS is the same as Bell’s Palsy and often people are misdiagnosed.
"Bell’s palsy is facial palsy of unknown causes, whereas RHS occurs when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of your ears.
"While facial paralysis is a symptom that both conditions have in common, RHS has other symptoms as well. Hearing loss, pain, vertigo and balance issues are all symptoms that aren't spoken about, but are as much a part of the condition as facial paralysis.
"If you've been diagnosed with RHS recently, there's so much support out there. Talking to people who understand your problems and knowing that you're not alone can make a big difference to your mental health. It really helped me and I know I wouldn't have coped as well if it wasn't for the wonderful community I have around me."
Nicoya's story: changingfaces.org.uk/story/...
Rosacea
Did you live that same mental journey?
I am an actor whose face was damaged by a doctor friend
Are visible differences a disability?
Living with consequences of botched rhinoplasty.
