5 MUSCLES AFFECTED
-
Frontal belly
— Draws scalp anteriorly, raises eyebrows, and wrinkles skin of forehead horizontally as in look of surprise. -
Orbicularis oris
— Closes and protrudes lips, as in kissing; compresses lips against teeth; and shapes lips during speech. -
Orbicularis oculi
— Closes eye. -
Platysma
— Draws outer part of lower lip inferiorly and posteriorly as in pouting; depresses mandible -
Buccinator
— Presses cheeks against teeth and lips, as in whistling, blowing, and sucking; draws corner of mouth laterally; and assists in mastication (chewing) by keeping food between the teeth (and not between teeth and cheeks).
MECHANISM OF MUSCLE WEAKNESS:
According to Zandian et. al. (2014), the most likely mechanism of Bell's palsy is an inflammation of the facial nerve that causes it to become compressed along this small section of the fallopian canal, initially causing a temporary loss of sensory or motor function (hence, the weakness) but eventually having the potential to cause permanent nerve degeneration.
OTHER SYMPTOMS may include the following:
- 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. (n.d.). Bell’s Palsy. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/bells-palsy#:~:text=Bell%27s%20palsy%20is%20a%20neurological,one%20side%20of%20your%20face
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2017). Principles of anatomy & physiology. Fifteenth edition; Wiley Loose-Leaf Print Companion. Hoboken, New Jersey, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Zandian, A., Osiro, S., Hudson, R., Ali, I. M., Matusz, P., Tubbs, S. R., & Loukas, M. (2014). The neurologist's dilemma: a comprehensive clinical review of Bell's palsy, with emphasis on current management trends. Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 20, 83–90. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.889876