Abnormal Finding
The following are findings that can be elicited with facial nerve palsy.
- Facial asymmetry (Loss of nasolabial fold)
- Drooping of lower eyelid
- Drooling from angle of mouth
- Ipsilateral inability to wrinkle forehead
- Lack of motion of angle of mouth while attempting to show teeth; mouth gets pulled away from the paralyzed side
- Incomplete closure of eye
- Easy to pry open closed eye
- Decreased tension of puffed cheeks
- Upper motor neurone facial nerve paralysis: Affects mainly the lower face
- Peripheral facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy): Affects both upper and lower half of face