Lil Nas X fans were concerned last week when they learned that he was hospitalized with partial facial paralysis. According to USA Today, the rapper posted a video of himself from his bed and said that “he lost control of the right side of his face.”
“This is me doing a full smile by the way,” he said in the video, laughing in disbelief. “I can’t even laugh right, bro. Oh my God!”
Lil Nas X, who is 26, urged fans not to feel sorry for him. He was doing his best to joke his way through this.
People reported that fans, including Taraji P. Henson and Wanda Sykes, sent their well wishes. “In the comment section, Lil Nas X fans and some of his celebrity friends voiced their concern. Taraji P. Henson wrote, “Get well baby 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾.” Wanda Sykes commented, “Get well, love. Sometimes your body tells you to sit down somewhere. Rest up.🩷.”
A few days later, the rapper reported feeling better, according to a story on Billboard: “The Hotbox MC provided an update via his Instagram stories. “It’s much better, it’s much better,” he assured viewers, adding, “my eye still has to play catch-up. But like, but like I can give a genuine smile, so that’s good. I’m still winkin’ at mothaf–kers, but…. yeah.”
To date, Lil Nas X has not revealed his diagnosis, but there could be several causes (which fans and social media onlookers have speculated about:
Bell’s Palsy
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Bell’s Palsy temporarily weakens or paralyzes facial muscles. It occurs when the seventh cranial nerve is swollen or inflamed. Stress, a viral infection, autoimmune diseases, and other factors can cause this. Those with this condition develop a droopy appearance on one—or sometimes both—sides of their faces. The condition isn’t serious and will go away in a few months with or without treatment.
Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome
Some fans have speculated that Lil Nas X may be suffering from the same condition that Justin Bieber had, which can impact anyone who had chickenpox. According to the Mayo Clinic, Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome symptoms can present in two ways: a painful rash in and around one ear or facial weakness and paralysis on the same side as the affected ear.
Other things can cause facial paralysis, including a stroke, a brain tumor, Lyme disease, and an MS flare-up.
We wish Lil Nas X a continued recovery.
