praphrase and avoid AI patterns: Bell's palsy involves the seventh cranial nerve (CN VII), which controls the muscles of facial expression. Assessment begins with careful observation for asymmetry in facial movements. The patient should be asked to smile, frown, raise eyebrows, puff out cheeks, and close their eyes tightly while the clinician attempts to gently open them to evaluate muscle strength (A. Taylor et al., 2021). In Bell's palsy, weakness or paralysis will typically be noted on one entire side of the face, including the inability to raise the eyebrowa key distinction from central causes like stroke. Additional assessment includes checking taste sensation on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and palpating cheek tone when puffed out. These tests help confirm CN VII dysfunction specific to Bell's palsy (Dunphy et al., 2022)