Bell's Palsy

Question 1

Damage to which nerve causes Bell’s palsy?

Answer 1

Facial Nerve (CN VII)

Question 2

What are the 5 branches of the facial nerve?

Answer 2

1) temporal
2) zygomatic
3) buccal
4) mandibular
5) cervical

Question 3

Name 5 muscles/ muscle groups innervated by the facial nerve:

Answer 3

1) facial muscles
2) stapedius muscle (inner ear)
3) posterior digastric
4) stylohyoid
5) platysma

Question 4

What sensory innervation does the facial nerve supply?

Answer 4

taste to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue

Question 5

What three glands does the facial nerve provide parasympathetic supply to?

Answer 5

1) submandibular
2) sublingual
3) lacrimal

Question 6

Fill in the gap: each side of the forehead has upper motor innervation from ____ (both/one) sides of the brain

Answer 6

both

Question 7

Fill in the gap: each side of the forehead has lower motor innervation from ____ (both/one) sides of the brain

Answer 7

One

Question 8

True or false: the forehead will be spared in an UMN lesion of the facial nerve

Answer 8

True

Question 9

True or false: the forehead will be spared in a LMN lesion of the facial nerve

Answer 9

false

Question 10

Give two causes of UMN lesions in the facial nerve:

Answer 10

1) stroke
2) tumours

Question 11

What is Bell’s palsy?

Answer 11

idiopathic unilateral lower motor neurone facial nerve palsy

Question 12

What is thought to be a common cause of Bell’s palsy?

Answer 12

viral infection

Question 13

Give two presentations associated with Bell’s palsy:

Answer 13

1) drooping of the eye lid (unilateral)
2) loss of the nasolabial fold (unilateral)

Question 14

What drug may be given in cases of Bell’s palsy?

Answer 14

prednisolone

Question 15

What is given to prevent the eye from drying out in Bell’s palsy?

Answer 15

lubricating eye drops