Based on the patient’s symptoms, Bell’s palsy could be a possible diagnosis. Bell’s palsy is a paralysis of the muscles in the face. Loss of taste, dryness of mouth, and inability to move the facial muscles and eyelid on one side of the face are common symptoms of this condition.
Cranial nerves that may have been affected by the viral infection:
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Cranial nerve III (Oculomotor nerve) - responsible for closing the eyelids
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Cranial nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal nerve) - responsible for taste and salivation
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Cranial nerve VII (Facial nerve) - responsible for taste, salivation, blinking, and movement of facial muscles