Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Actress Aishwarya Sakhuja, like Justin Bieber, has shared her experience of Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Image via Instagram
@ask4sak/@justinbieber

Actress diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome reflects on scary ordeal

An actress who contracted Ramsay Hunt syndrome – like Justin Bieber – has spoken of her frightening experience…

Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Actress Aishwarya Sakhuja, like Justin Bieber, has shared her experience of Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Image via Instagram
@ask4sak/@justinbieber

A Bollywood actress who was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome – the same condition experienced by Justin Bieber – has reflected on her frightening ordeal.

Aishwarya Sakhuja – who was also a Miss India finalist in 2006 – has told the public how she was suddenly struck with facial paralysis.

ALSO READ: ‘Jesus is with me’: Justin Bieber remains positive amid Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosis

‘MY FACE IS EVERYTHING’

Speaking to the Times of India, Aishwarya revealed how she suddenly contracted Ramsay Hunt syndrome in 2014. Then an actress on a TV series, the actress revealed how she discovered something was “very wrong”.

She said: “We were shooting back-to-back as we had a wedding sequence coming up. The next morning, when I went to brush my teeth, I had a tough time holding water in my mouth. At that point, too, I thought it was exertion.

She continued: “When I got dressed and was ready to leave, Pooja [her flatmate]  noticed that something was off. She asked me if I was feeling okay because she thought my face didn’t look normal. We didn’t have a mirror in the bathroom, and since I was in a rush, I didn’t really get a chance to check my face. Pooja was persistent that something was very wrong and insisted that I visit a doctor.”

Aishwarya reveals how she sought treatment for Ramsay Hunt syndrome. She recalls how work had to continue, despite the traumatic experience.

She said: “We somehow managed to shoot and I went for my scan the next day. It was confirmed that I had been hit by Ramsay Hunt syndrome and had to be put on steroids.

“I couldn’t take a day off since we didn’t have a bank of episodes ready. So, I continued shooting. The cast and crew were very supportive, and they tried to shoot in a way that half of my face was not visible.”

“The steroids were extremely heavy and even heavier was the emotional turmoil because as an actor, my face is everything.”

ALSO READ: ‘Heartbreaking’: Woman with Ramsay Hunt syndrome speaks out

RECOVERING FROM RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME

Fortunately for Aishwarya, her Ramsay Hunt Syndrome diagnosis was made quickly and she was able to be treated effectively. 

The actress revealed that she was able to “fully recover” in a month. She is also confident that Justin Bieber can too.

Earlier this month, the pop star revealed that he had been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome after putting off his Justice World Tour.

The 28-year-old revealed that the illness had affected nerves in his face and ear, resulting in what he hopes is temporary paralysis. The star also asked his fans to “pray” for him to make a complete recovery.

According to medical experts, Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be treated with either steroids or anti-viral medication. Statistics reveal that individuals who begin treatment within three days have about a 70% chance of full recovery. The chances of recovery drastically drop if symptoms are left untreated.