In addition to facial paralysis, which sense is also affected in Bell's Palsy?

In Bell's Palsy, the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) is involved, which not only controls facial expressions but also carries sensory taste information from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Therefore, when Bell's Palsy occurs, it can lead to a decreased ability to taste, particularly affecting the sweet, salty, and umami flavors. This alteration is due to the involvement of the facial nerve, which affects both motor function (leading to facial paralysis) and sensory function (resulting in taste disturbances).

While the other senses mentioned—hearing, smell, and vision—might have their own distinct pathways that do not primarily involve the facial nerve, the sense of taste is closely connected to its function, making it the most affected along with facial paralysis in Bell's Palsy. Understanding this relationship highlights the broader impact of cranial nerve dysfunction on sensory experiences.