Question

During a dental hygiene continued-care appointment, a client of record exhibits partial facial paralysis. She was recently diagnosed as having Bell's palsy. Damage to which of the following nerves caused this condition?

Answer 1

Bell's palsy is caused by damage to the facial nerve, which controls facial expressions. Symptoms can include difficulty with facial movements like smiling or closing the eye. Neurological exams test these functions to diagnose conditions like Bell's palsy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The condition Bell's palsy is caused by damage to the facial nerve, also known as cranial nerve VII. This nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles involved in facial expressions. When the facial nerve is affected, it can result in partial or complete paralysis on one side of the face, as is seen in Bell's palsy. The symptoms often include drooping of the mouth, difficulty in closing the eye, and diminished facial expressions on the affected side.

During neurological examinations, the integrity of facial nerve function is frequently assessed by having the patient perform certain facial movements such as raising their eyebrows, smiling, and frowning. Similarly, the gag reflex, which tests the motor control of fibers in the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X), can clue a practitioner into the functionality of these critical nerves. The examination of these functions assists in diagnosing the extent of nerve damage and determining the appropriate treatment strategy for conditions like Bell's palsy.