5 Muscles affected by Bell’s Palsy and its actions:
- Orbicularis oculi - Closes eye
- Platysma - Draws outer part of lower lip inferiorly and posteriorly as in pouting; depresses mandible.
- Zygomaticus Major - Draws angle of mouth superiorly and laterally, as in smiling
- Zygomaticus Minor - Raises (elevates) upper lip, exposing maxillary (upper) teeth
- Buccinator - Presses cheeks against teeth and lips, as in whistling, blowing, and sucking; draws corner of mouth laterally
Describe the Mechanism of his muscle weakness.
A neurological condition called Bell's palsy results in weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. One of the nerves that regulates the facial muscles sustains damage or malfunctions. The most frequent cause of facial paralysis, albeit its exact etiology is uncertain, is Bell's palsy. The cranial nerve VII, which connects the brain to the muscles that control face expression and is also involved in taste and auditory sense, is dysfunctional, and this leads to the condition. Bell's palsy can infrequently affect both sides of the face (NIH, 2023)
What other symptoms may be exhibited?
- Excessive drooling
- One eye is tearing a lot.
- Issues with flavor
- Sensitivity to loud noises
- Pain behind the ear and in the area of the jaw
- Eating or drinking issues
References:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2023). Stroke Bell’s Palsy https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/bells-palsy#:~:text=Bell's%20palsy%20is%20a%20neurological,one%20side%20of%20your%20face