Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 13) — Ben&Ben percussionist Toni Muñoz on Thursday shared she has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, leaving half of her face paralyzed.
The OPM band member said in a “life update” that she discovered she has the neurological disorder just a few days before they performed in Australia last Oct. 8.
“The left side of my face is paralyzed, so as some of you might have noticed, I can only wear half a smile, and there’s bit of change in the way I speak,” Muñoz said on Instagram.
According to Mayo Clinic, Bell’s palsy “causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face.” The exact cause is unknown, but one’s condition can improve within two weeks and full recovery can take up to six months.
“I am still very grateful to be surrounded by very loving people who have given me support and care these past few days,” she said. “And of course, I’m grateful that I can still play and sing and get to do my job.”
Muñoz said she will still be part of the group’s next performance in Dubai this Saturday, Oct. 14.
