Muscles Affected in Bell's Palsy (Left Side):
- Orbicularis oculi - Closes the eye.
- Orbicularis oris - Closes and protrudes lips.
- Zygomaticus major - Elevates the corners of the mouth.
- Buccinator - Compresses cheek for chewing.
- Frontalis - Raises eyebrows and wrinkles forehead.
Mechanism of Weakness:
Inflammation or compression of the facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII) disrupts nerve signals to facial muscles, often due to viral infections.
Other Symptoms:
-
- Eye dryness from incomplete closure.
- Drooling.
- Difficulty eating/drinking.
- Altered taste.
- Sound sensitivity (hyperacusis).