What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which caused Justin Bieber’s facial paralysis?

Canadian singer Justin Bieber announced this week that he had postponed his next few concerts as he was suffering from facial paralysis, a result of Ramsay Hunt syndrome. It is caused by a virus that attacks nerves in his face and ears and, according to the Mayo Clinic, occurs when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of your ears. Dr. Charles Nduka explains more about what the syndrome is and how it can surface in people.

• Ramsay Hunt syndrome: Here’s what we know about Justin Bieber’s diagnosis