Affected Muscles:
1. Orbicularis oculi: Closes the eyelids
2. Orbicularis oris: Closes and puckers the lips
3. Levator labii superioris: Elevates the upper lip,
4. Buccinator: Compresses the cheeks against the teeth
5. Occipitofrontalis: Raises the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead
Mechanism of Muscle Weakness:
Bell's palsy is caused by inflammation or damage to the facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII), which controls the muscles of facial expression.
Other Symptoms:
1. Loss of taste
2. Increased drooling
3. Dry eyes