Tulisa Contostavlos has revealed she’s been suffering from Bell’s Palsy.
The 31-year-old singer made the admission during an appearance on Monday’s installment of Loose Women, which saw her discuss the devastating effect online trolling can have.
The former N-Dubz favourite confessed people have often targeted her over her appearance – with one person even saying it looked like she was having a stroke – but she has actually been enduring a secret health battle.
Secret health woes: Tulisa Contostavlos revealed she’s been secretly suffering from Bell’s Palsy during an appearance on Monday’s edition of Loose Women
Tulisa said she sustained nerve damage following a horse riding accident, resulting in the condition, which causes facial paralysis that results in an inability to control the facial muscles on the affected side.
The pop princess explained: ‘I do suffer from Bell’s Palsy. The first time was after a serious horse riding accident and it caused nerve damage.
‘There’s been times people have criticised the way I look and my face, not knowing I’m going through a Bell’s Palsy attack.
‘Someone online said I looked like I was having a stroke. I have emergency steroids on me and I know how to handle it.’
Upsetting: The former N-Dubz favourite confessed people have targeted her over her appearance, with one person even saying it looked like she was having a stroke
Speaking out: Stacey appeared on Loose Women to discuss the devastating effect online trolling can have
Tulisa is worried about how prolific trolling has become in the younger generation and the effect it might have on them.
She told the panellists: ‘I just think it’s such a big issue with this current generation. It’s not just celebrities, it’s young people going through it.
‘Some of the worst comments would be too harsh for daytime television. The worst things you can say about women. I had people referencing my uncle’s death, my mother’s mental illness, loads of threats. The lowest of the lows.’
Tulisa candidly admitted she had engaged with trolls and given as good as she got in the past, but has learned not to bite back.
Concerning: Tulisa is worried about how prolific trolling has become in the younger generation and the effect it might have on them
‘We don’t know who that other person is on the other side of the screen. Sometimes hurt people hurt people’, she said.
‘I’m conflicted because I’ve done it. When someone would send me abuse I would @ them and be like, have at it guys. I was young then.
‘It depends on each individual case you’re dealing with. Some people might be really damaged or mentally unwell and it could have a serious effect on them.’
The Young hit-maker has managed the rise in online trolling by not being as obsessed with her social media presence.
She said: ‘I take long breaks now. I posted something yesterday but that was for the first time in a good few months.
‘My team are always like, come on, get back on social media. I find it healthy to take breaks.’
Welcome back: Viewers at home took to Twitter to share their thoughts about seeing Tulisa back on their screens
Strike a pose: The star opted for a military inspired look in combat trousers and boots
Tulisa, who made a welcome comeback to music last year, also teased new music – and writing a new song for Lady Gaga’s upcoming album.
She enthused: ‘I’m really excited about it, that’s all I can say. It’s a really exciting time.’
Viewers at home took to Twitter to share their thoughts about seeing Tulisa back on their screens.
One posted: ‘It’s great seeing Tulisa looking so happy and healthy! #LooseWomen#.
Another shared: ‘Just watching you on Loose Women. You are a beautiful and talented young lady Tulisa. Stay strong and keep smiling.’
‘Watching tulisa on #LooseWomen people need to learn that words can hurt,’ a third wrote.
Bell’s Palsy is condition that causes paralysis to one side of a person’s face.
The condition affects around 40,000 Americans each year and 10,000 Britons. It occurs when the facial nerve becomes inflamed.
The exact cause it not known, but stress is thought to play a role by weakening the immune system, which contributes to the inflammation of nerves.
As with almost every nerve, the facial nerve is connected to the brain to either carry information from the brain to control muscles or return information to the brain relating to sensory information.
For nerves to do this, they must pass through a passage of bone near the upper jaw.
If the facial nerve is inflamed, it can interfere with the signals that the brain sends to muscles in the face, causing one side of the face to become paralysed.
Exciting news: Tulisa, who made a welcome comeback to music last year, also teased new music – and writing a new song for Lady Gaga’s upcoming album
