What Is Lyme Disease? The Symptoms of Justin Timberlake’s Diagnosis

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Justin Timberlake is holding a mirror up to a misunderstood illness. 

On July 31st, the artist known for “Can’t Stop the Feeling” announced that he had been diagnosed with Lyme disease, revealing that his recent world tour had been challenging due to persistent health problems.

44-year-old [name] expressed that they weren’t trying to make anyone feel sorry for them, but rather to provide insight into the challenges they’ve faced in private. If you or someone you know has dealt with this illness, then you understand its unyielding impact, not only on one’s physical health, but also on their mental well-being.

Additionally, the former member of *NSYNC, who has two children, Silas (10) and Phineas (4), with his wife Jessica Biel, expressed initial shock upon receiving the diagnosis. However, it eventually made perfect sense to him.

Timberlake clarified, ‘I was able to comprehend my reason for being onstage, and it felt like an overwhelming amount of nervous discomfort or intense exhaustion, bordering on illness.’

This disease transmitted through tick bites, as reported by the Center for Disease Control, impacts more than 400,000 individuals, among whom are celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Avril Lavigne.

Keep reading for everything to know about the condition… 

What is Lyme disease? 

Lyme disease begins as an infection caused by a bite from a black-legged tick. If not treated, it may develop into a more severe, long-term health problem, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What are Lyme disease symptoms?

Initially, Lyme causes a rash, fever, chills and headaches. 

In its advanced stages, if not managed, Lyme disease may develop into a persistent form, leading to symptoms like tiredness, muscle aches, and cognitive difficulties. Later on, it might also cause facial weakness, joint pain, nerve discomfort, dizziness, or breathlessness.

While the symptoms vary, many celebrities have shared that they are debilitating. 

In my 2016 memoir “Bite Me”, I, Ally (Tommy Hilfiger’s daughter), expressed that I no longer recognized myself. I felt like a mere shadow or reflection of my true self, a faded image on a wall, pleading for help and understanding about the mysterious state I found myself in.

Shania Twain’s diagnosis significantly affected her singing capabilities. In her memoir, “Shania Twain: Not Just A Girl” published in 2022, she mentioned contracting Lyme disease while horseback riding in 2003. For about seven years following the illness, Twain explained that she was unable to shout out for her dog or sing in certain places due to changes in her voice.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?

In its chronic stage, Lyme disease can be hard to diagnose, as was the case with Shania, who initially found it challenging for doctors to pinpoint the cause of her vocal issues.

She explained that it took several more years to figure out what it was. It wasn’t immediately apparent, and no one initially linked it to Lyme disease. Eventually, a neurologist realized that the issue was related to the nerves controlling each vocal cord.

Instead, doctors can identify Lyme disease in a patient by examining their blood for Lyme antibodies several weeks following the onset of an infection.

How do you treat Lyme disease?

Acute Lyme disease can effectively be managed with antibiotics. However, once Lyme disease progresses into a chronic stage, it may cause recurrences triggered by stress or excessive physical exertion, as suggested by the Global Lyme Alliance. They advise regular daily monitoring of symptoms and modifying behavior according to one’s feelings to help prevent symptom flare-ups.

What celebrities have been diagnosed with Lyme disease?

Besides Justin Timberlake, other celebrities who have spoken about Lyme disease include Anwar Hadid, Yolanda Hadid, Riley Keough, Amy Schumer, Avril Lavigne, Alexis Ohanian, Ryan Sutter, and Ben Stiller.

In 2020, Justin Bieber opened up about his own well-being while refuting criticisms regarding his looks. He stated, “I’ve been diagnosed with Lyme disease not long ago. Moreover, I’ve had chronic mononucleosis which impacted my skin, cognitive abilities, energy levels, and overall health.

Simultaneously, Bella Hadid revealed that she endured “15 years of hidden struggle” as she fought against chronic Lyme disease.

In this state I’ve been living, growing more challenging by the day as I strive to make my family, myself, and those who stand by me proud, has had a profound impact on me, an impact I find hard to articulate. Yet, despite the pain it causes, I believe that the universe operates in both agonizing and enchanting ways. To anyone out there fighting their own battles, know that things will eventually improve.

In his own words, Alec Baldwin referred to it as a particularly terrifying phase in his life. He confessed at the LymeAid gala in 2017 that he genuinely believed he wouldn’t survive Lyme disease. During those times, he was bedridden and often thought, “I’m going to die from Lyme disease,” and expressed a wish that someone would find him quickly before it was too late.

In her 2017 memoir, Kelly Osbourne revealed that she had been battling with symptoms such as persistent throat pain and stomach discomfort for over a decade. This struggle began after she was bitten by a tick which originated from a reindeer.

Discussions about Lyme disease are merely one example among many health issues that celebrities have chosen to disclose. Continue reading to discover other stars who have bravely shared their personal experiences with hidden health challenges.

In 2014, the actress who played a key role in “12 Years a Slave” was diagnosed with fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths that occur within or near the uterus. This diagnosis came during the same year she was awarded an Oscar for her outstanding performance in that film.

It wasn’t until the year 2025 that she revealed her diagnosis, sharing on Instagram that she had endured secretly for over a decade.

In her words, “As we go through puberty, we’re typically informed that menstruation brings pain, and this discomfort is just an inherent aspect of being female.” She emphasized that many women endure this issue on their own, as it significantly impacts our lives.

 

In July 2025, it was revealed that the band member of Daisy Jones & The Six experienced hospitalization due to a hernia, which is typically a muscle tear in the abdomen or groin region, resulting from prolonged use of tight-fitting trousers.

She wrote on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, “‘You don’t post on Twitter anymore,'” she said. “Six months ago, my pants were so tight they gave me a hernia, and I’ve been hesitant to share that with you since then.

In an announcement made in April 2025, the former cast member of “Beverly Hills, 90210” shared that he was undergoing recovery following a surgery due to his appendix being on the verge of rupturing.

In a recent Instagram post, Brian mentioned that he began experiencing abdominal discomfort about a week ago. This led him to visit the hospital’s emergency room, where it was discovered that his appendix was not completely ruptured yet, but very close to it.

He added, “I’m on the road to recovery. It’s not an easy process. This is my first major surgery.”

Adam Devine revealed that the injuries he suffered at age 11, when a cement truck struck him, continue to impact his health up until now.

In a 2025 episode of the “In Depth With Graham Bensinger” podcast, Devine expressed that it’s been extremely difficult for him. He has been experiencing spasms throughout his body and was informed by doctors that he was close to death – specifically within the past year.

He pointed out that pain appears intermittently, expressing, “There are quite a few things about my body that are a bit off and not functioning perfectly.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d like to share a recent experience I had that wasn’t so enjoyable. During a fun-filled RV adventure with a buddy, I found myself in an unexpected situation. The excitement of the journey took a turn when I was struck by intense back pain, forcing me to seek immediate medical attention. I ended up crawling on all fours to reach the hospital – not the most graceful moment, but it got the job done!

In the March 2025 episode of his podcast, Trading Secrets, he explained that even touching his toes, there’s an unusual tingling sensation, which is surprising. To give context, he was lifting around 295 pounds just a few weeks or perhaps a month ago, yet now, he can barely perform a simple one-legged squat without falling over. It’s as if he had a stroke or something similar.

But with the help of a back specialist and some steroids, he added, “We’re on the mend.”

Back in March 2025, Gina Kirschheiter from The Real Housewives of Orange County revealed that her former spouse, Matt Kirschenheiter, had experienced a heart attack. Fortunately, he made it through this difficult situation.

30 Rock’s lead actor encountered a health emergency during a New York Knicks match in March 2025, causing him to be moved from Madison Square Garden in a stretcher.

On the next day, the comedian posted an update on social media, mentioning that it was due to food poisoning, and he was recovering well.

In February 2025, the actress who starred in “Even Stevens” revealed that she had been accidentally shot in the face during a trip to shoot clay pigeons as part of her husband Brendan Rooney’s birthday celebration.

I was with another group, but they accidentally discharged their firearm incorrectly and hit me in the face,” she posted on Instagram. “@thebrendanrooney swiftly intervened, checked on me, and rushed me to the hospital. I was struck in five spots, one of which was just a fraction of an inch away from my right eye directly.

In simpler terms, the person who was in Kim Possible shared, “Regrettably, a piece became stuck near my eye, and it’s not safe to take out with surgery right now. Doctors are keeping a close watch on me, and I can see fine for now.

The actress expressed her deep gratitude for being alive, stating that she deeply cherishes her daughters, husband, family, and friends. Recounting a moment where she felt death was imminent, she urged everyone to seize opportunities to embrace the people around them, as life can unexpectedly alter in a heartbeat.

In Amy Schumer’s own words, she expressed gratitude for the internet’s role in helping her uncover the cause of a health issue she faced. She recounted an instance on Call Her Daddy podcast where people criticized her appearance, but doctors chimed in with concerns about Cushing syndrome. Initially puzzled by being trolled by medical professionals, Amy later realized that the steroid injections she had been receiving for scar treatments might have caused this condition. After discovering that the type of Cushing syndrome she had would resolve on its own and she was healthy overall, she expressed immense relief.

Back in December 2024, during a heated game, I found myself on the receiving end of a fellow player’s skate – quite literally. Stitches numbering 25 were needed to close the gash. Yet, when I was fully healed, my father, the esteemed general manager of the New Jersey Devils, Tom Fitzgerald, expressed his relief in an interview with ESPN. He admitted, “We’re incredibly fortunate. I wouldn’t wish that experience on any parent.

In March 2022, Hailey Bieber experienced a terrifying ordeal while having breakfast with her husband, Justin Bieber. She suddenly started exhibiting symptoms similar to a stroke, such as facial drooping and difficulty speaking. Hailey recalled that she didn’t respond when Justin asked if she was okay, and when she tried to speak, she couldn’t.

A month later, Hailey shared her experience on YouTube, explaining that after experiencing these symptoms, she went to the hospital for a check-up. The doctors found a small blood clot in her brain, which they classified as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). Further examination at the University of California, Los Angeles revealed that Hailey had a hole in her heart called a patent foramen ovale (PFO).

Hailey explained that the blood clot had traveled into her heart, escaped through the PFO, and reached her brain, causing the TIA. After undergoing a successful PFO closure procedure, she is now feeling well.

In the same year that Hailey went through her health crisis, Justin also faced one of his own. Specifically, in June 2022, the “Baby” singer disclosed that he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a condition that affected parts of his face and led to temporary paralysis. This diagnosis forced him to cancel the rest of his Justice World Tour. Justin described the situation in an Instagram video, stating that the virus had affected the nerve in his ear and facial nerves, causing full paralysis on one side of his face. As a result, he couldn’t blink one eye, smile on one side of his face, or move one nostril. He mentioned that eating became progressively harder for him, but the paralysis eventually subsided. Hailey shared on a June 2022 episode of Good Morning America that Justin was doing well and feeling much better, despite the scary and seemingly random nature of his health issue. She expressed her relief that he would be completely fine in the end.

Initially, Jamie Foxx chose not to disclose the details of his hospitalization in April 2023. However, during his 2024 Netflix special, “What Had Happened Was…”, he revealed the ordeal he experienced. In Atlanta, he complained of a severe headache and asked for an aspirin, but before he could get it, he fainted. He was unresponsive for nearly three weeks.

Upon visiting a doctor who administered a cortisone shot and sent him home, his sister Deidra Dixon took him to a hospital where they discovered he had suffered a brain bleed that resulted in a stroke. After undergoing surgery on the 20th day, Foxx woke up on May 4 in a wheelchair, unable to walk. He was then transferred to Chicago for rehabilitation and therapy.

“I want to express my gratitude for every prayer,” he said, “as I truly needed them all.

In 2019, Emilia Clarke, known for her role in Game of Thrones, penned an essay titled “A Battle for My Life” in The New Yorker. During filming, she experienced severe headaches at the gym and was violently ill. Upon visiting a hospital, she was diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a life-threatening type of stroke caused by brain bleeding. She underwent immediate surgery to seal the aneurysm but faced unbearable pain during recovery and temporary aphasia. A week later, her aphasia subsided, and she was discharged from the hospital after a month. However, in 2013, a growth that had been detected earlier doubled in size, requiring another surgery. The procedure failed initially, but Emilia survived and underwent a traditional skull-opening operation. Fortunately, she is now fully recovered and thriving.

Snoop Dogg’s daughter, Cori Broadus, expresses her gratitude towards her family after experiencing a severe stroke in January 2024. Upon learning about the incident, her loved ones swiftly came to her aid. As she shared with TopMob News correspondent Will Marfuggi in December 2024, “I texted them that I just had a stroke and sent them a picture. Everyone just came to my rescue.”

Due to additional health complications, Cori’s stay at the hospital extended beyond her initial expectation. “Initially, I thought I could go home after the stroke,” she explained in her interview. “However, my lupus wasn’t doing well, and my kidneys were failing. It was a challenging time.”

Currently, Cori is making progress in her recovery. “I’m doing great now,” she stated. “I had to work on regaining some motor skills, but apart from that, I was fine.

During the 20s of her life, Shailene Woodley’s health took a turn for the worse. She experienced severe issues such as losing her hearing, difficulty walking, stomach pain after eating, and feeling unwell overall. This was due to a complex mix of health problems, diagnoses, and conflicting advice from different doctors.

To find answers, Shailene—who has a background in holistic medicine and herbalism—decided to seek help from both conventional medical professionals (MDs) and independent healers. This quest for healing took over a decade.

During this long journey, Shailene also faced mental challenges stemming from her physical discomfort. She developed fear of food, body dysmorphia, confusion about identity, and feelings of insecurity and uncertainty regarding her body and self-image.

After focusing on both her physical and mental wellbeing, Shailene is now feeling much better. She shared that she is healthy once again and happy to be able to say so.

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2025-08-01 21:48