5 AFFECTED MUSCLES
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Occipitofrontalis - Frontal belly draws scalp anteriorly, raises eyebrows, and wrinkles skin of forehead horizontally as in look of surprise; Occipital belly draws scalp posteriorly
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Levator labii superioris - Raises upper lip
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Zygomaticus minor - Raises (elevates) upper lip, exposing maxillary (upper) teeth
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Zygomaticus major - Draws angle of mouth superiorly and laterally, as in smiling
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Orbicularis oris - Closes and protrudes lips, as in kissing; compresses lips against teeth; and shapes lips during speech
According to Mayo Clinic (n.d.), Bell′s palsy can happen to people of any age, however, the exact cause is not known. The current theory is that this muscle weakness occurs due to a reaction after a viral infection, wherein the nerves on one side of the face swell and become irritated.
Other symptoms that the patient could exhibit are drooling, headaches, a loss of taste, pain on the jaw on the affected side, increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side, and a change in the tears and saliva produced (Mayo Clinic, n.d).
REFERENCE:
Bell’s palsy—Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20370028