Affected Muscles:
- Corrugator supercilii: Controls eyebrow movement, raising and lowering them.
- Depressor labii inferioris: Lowers the bottom lip.
- Orbicularis oculi: Responsible for closing the eye.
- Buccinator: Maintains cheek tension.
- Orbicularis oris: Closes and protrudes the lips.
Mechanism of Muscle Weakness:
Inflammation of the Facial (VII) nerve, likely triggered by a viral infection, causes the nerve to become compressed as it passes through bone structures. This pressure damages the nerve, preventing it from transmitting signals effectively, leading to weakness in the facial muscles it innervates.
Other Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Loss of taste
- Drooling
- Facial twitching
- Tearing
- Increased sensitivity in the affected ear
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)