NEET PG DENTAL EXAM

Detailed explanation-1: -The nerve that controls facial muscles passes through a narrow corridor of bone on its way to the face. In Bell’s palsy, that nerve becomes inflamed and swollen-usually related to a viral infection. Besides facial muscles, the nerve affects tears, saliva, taste and a small bone in the middle of the ear.

Detailed explanation-2: -Historically, Bell palsy was thought to be idiopathic facial nerve (peripheral 7th cranial nerve) palsy. However, facial nerve palsy is now considered a clinical syndrome with its own differential diagnosis, and the term “Bell palsy” is not always considered synonymous with idiopathic facial nerve palsy.

Detailed explanation-3: -Facial nerve palsy includes both paralysis (complete loss of function) and paresis (weakness) of the seventh cranial nerve (CN 7). CN 7 is a mixed nerve providing both sensory afferents and motor efferent fibers.