Anatomy & Histology · single question
A patient with Bell's palsy has drooling and inability to close the eye. Which complication would NOT be expected?
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Correct answer: D. Glaucoma
Bell's palsy (CN VII palsy) causes lagophthalmos, dry eye, and corneal exposure. Glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure) is NOT caused by CN VII palsy.
- A. Corneal abrasion is a direct complication — inability to close the eye leaves the cornea exposed to trauma and drying.
- B. Dry eyes occur because the paralyzed orbicularis oculi impairs the blink reflex and eyelid closure, reducing tear distribution.
- C. Lagophthalmos (inability to completely close the eye during sleep) is a direct consequence of orbicularis oculi paralysis in Bell's palsy.
- D. CORRECT. Glaucoma results from impaired aqueous humor drainage causing increased intraocular pressure — it is NOT caused by facial nerve palsy. Bell's palsy affects eyelid closure but has no effect on intraocular pressure.
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