Bell's palsy, or facial paralysis, is characterized by the one-sided loss of muscle function responsible for facial expressions. This condition arises from damage or disease affecting the facial (VII) nerve. In more severe instances, this paralysis results in a pronounced drooping of the entire side of the face. The symptoms of Bell's palsy can resemble those of a stroke. Affected individuals are unable to perform actions such as wrinkle the forehead, close the eye, or pucker the lips on the affected side. Additionally, they may experience issues like drooling and challenges with swallowing.
The affected muscles are, but not limited to, the following:
1. Muscle: Occipitofrontalis - Frontal Belly
Action: raise eyebrows, creates wrinkles in the forehead
2. Muscle: Orbicularis oculi
Action: controls the closing of eyelids
3. Muscle: Orbicularis oris
Action: controls smiling and pucking of lips
4. Muscle: Buccinator
Action: keeps the food between teeth when chewing and assists in smiling
5. Muscle: Platysma
Action: draws outer part of lower lip inferiorly and posteriorly; depresses mandible.