Warning Signs Of Bell's Palsy

Decreased Sense Of Taste

When food molecules dissolve on a healthy individual's taste buds, this interaction is what allows for taste. Cells that make up the taste buds have receptors that secrete neurotransmitters when certain substances are ingested and mix with saliva. These neurotransmitters that are released send an activation to the sensory neurons in the glossopharyngeal and facial cranial nerves. The glossopharyngeal nerve connects to the taste buds in the back two-thirds of the tongue. An individual's facial nerve is connected to the taste buds on the front third of the tongue. When the facial nerve becomes compressed by the canal in their skull due to swelling from Bell's palsy, it may not work correctly. An individual with Bell's palsy will experience this decreased sense of taste in the front part of their tongue due to this anatomical arrangement.

Discover additional symptoms of Bell's palsy now.