This is patient AM, a 28-year-old male who came in the ER because of drooping of his left face. He said he woke up and he could not move his left face.
He has no other muscle weakness. He is conscious and coherent although he had a little difficulty speaking because the left side of his lips drooped. He had normal blood pressure and he had no other comorbidities. He was diagnosed to have Bell’s palsy.
Name 5 muscles which are affected and list its actions.
1. Zygomaticus Major - Elevates the corner of the mouth
2. Frontalis - Responsible for raising of eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead
3. Buccinator - Compress the cheek against the teeth
4. Orbicularis oculi - Closes the eyelids
5. Platysma - Depression of lower jaw
Describe the mechanism of his muscle weakness.
Bell's palsy is the outcome of inflammation, compression, or potential damage to the facial nerves (Cranial Nerve VII). Consequently, it will interfere with the nerves' ability to send impulses to facial muscles, which could lead to paralysis and weakening of the muscles.
What other symptoms could the patient exhibit as a result of facial muscle weakness?
1. Drying of eyes
2. Headaches
3. Drooling
4. Tinnitus
5. Facial Asymmetry
6. Ageusia (loss of taste)