Former N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos has shared a candid health update, revealing she suffered a Bell's palsy attack and short-term paralysis. The 37-year-old singer took to Instagram to discuss her recent struggles, aiming to be more authentic with her followers about the highs and lows of her life.
Tulisa's Health Battles and Personal Challenges
Tulisa was first diagnosed with Bell's palsy in 2020, a condition that causes temporary weakness or lack of movement on one side of the face. In her recent post, she explained that the attack occurred after she received devastating news about a close friend being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. This emotional shock, combined with post-surgery effects, led to vomiting that increased pressure and triggered the Bell's palsy episode.
Multiple Health Issues Surface
The London-born star has been dealing with several health concerns simultaneously. She disclosed that she had to delay her egg retrieval procedure due to a low egg count, which she attributed to stress and hormonal fluctuations. Additionally, Tulisa mentioned undergoing surgery to remove three cysts, which were believed to be connected to her Bell's palsy symptoms.
Nicotine withdrawal has also been a significant challenge, as she celebrated being two months cigarette-free but described the process as hellish. She posted a photo showing a visibly swollen eye while flashing a peace sign, emphasizing her commitment to sharing both positive and difficult moments.
Medical Insights and Recovery Timeline
Tulisa credited surgeon Darrylc Coombes for successfully removing the cysts that had caused her facial swelling and Bell's palsy. She expressed gratitude to Dr. Al for taking her concerns seriously when other doctors had dismissed her symptoms. The singer expects the minor paralysis from her recent attack to last approximately one week, as she was able to obtain steroids within 24 hours after initially leaving them behind.
Emotional Resilience Amid Adversity
Despite these health setbacks and the worrying news about her friend Shelley's cancer treatment, Tulisa concluded her message on a positive note. She highlighted several silver linings, including having double the amount of eggs for future retrieval, success in her business ventures, and improved emotional regulation from inner work over the past six months.
The singer reflected, Life isn't constant happiness, it's a series of ups and downs that define being ALIVE. She emphasized that her intention was not to share a sob story but to remind everyone that challenges are part of the human experience, even when life appears shiny from the outside.
Context of Tulisa's Recent Experiences
This health update comes after Tulisa's early exit from I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, where she admitted feeling overwhelmed by the attention. Her Instagram post represents a shift toward greater authenticity, as she transforms her platform into a space for inspiration and tools drawn from her crazy life experiences.



