What is the primary symptom of Bell's Palsy?

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The primary symptom of Bell's Palsy is sudden weakness of one side of the face. This condition is characterized by rapid onset facial muscle weakness or paralysis, usually affecting only one side. Individuals may experience drooping of the mouth, inability to close an eye, and loss of facial expressions on the affected side. This symptom is a result of inflammation or damage to the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which controls the muscles of the face. While other symptoms can accompany Bell's Palsy, such as pain around the jaw or behind the ear and changes in taste, the hallmark feature that distinguishes it is the weakness affecting the facial muscles unilaterally.