In Bell’s palsy, which cranial nerve is affected?

Bell's palsy primarily affects the facial nerve, which is cranial nerve VII. This condition results in sudden, unilateral facial paralysis due to inflammation of the facial nerve. The characteristic symptoms include drooping of one side of the face, difficulty in closing the eye on the affected side, and alterations in taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, as well as potential hypersensitivity to sound due to the involvement of the stapedius muscle in the middle ear. Recognizing that Bell's palsy is specifically linked to the facial nerve's dysfunction is essential in differentiating it from other neurological conditions, as it typically presents with rapid onset, often accompanied by pain around the jaw or behind the ear. Understanding these aspects helps to clarify the important association between Bell's palsy and cranial nerve VII.