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