What is Bell's palsy?
- Also known as facial paralysis, it is a neurological disorder wherein one side of the face is paralyzed (unilateral paralysis). This occurs when the nerves controlling the muscles in our faces (facial VII nerve) is damaged/stopped working properly. Causes of this disorder varies from inflammation of facial nerves due to ear infection, ear surgery that damaged the facial nerve, infection, etc. Generally, a person suffering from this disorder cannot wrinkle their forehead, close their eye, or pucker lips on affected side (Tortora & Derrickson, 2017; NINDS, 2023)
5 muscles affected by Bell's Palsy in the given case
1. Orbicularis oculi
- Action: Muscle that closes eye/s.
2. Platysma
- Action: Draws outer part of lower lip inferiorly and superiorly. Displays facial expression pouting. Depresses the Mandible.
3. Occipitofrontalis: Frontal belly
- Action: Draws scalp anteriorly, raises eyebrow which causes wrinkles in forehead. Displays the look of surprise.
4. Orbicular oris
- Action: Closes and protrudes lips. Displays a look similar to kissing. It compresses lips against teeth and shapes it during speech.
5. Buccinator
- Action: Presses cheeks against teeth and lips. Responsible for whistling, blowing, and sucking. It also draws the corner of mouth laterally and assists in chewing.
Aside from the mentioned symptoms above, the following are also indications of Bell's palsy disorder (NINDS, 2023):
- Facial pain or abnormal sensations
- Excessive tearing in one eye
- Problems with taste
- Low tolerance for loud noises
- Pain around the jaw and behind the ear
- Problems eating or drinking
References:
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2023, February 7). Bell's Palsy | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved September 8, 2023, from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/bells-palsy
- Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2017). "Chapter 11: The Muscular System". Principles of Anatomy & Physiology (15th ed., pp. 341 - 342). [Print]. John Wiley & Sons Inc.