In terms of facial paralysis, which condition only affects part of the face?

The condition that affects only part of the face is a stroke. In the event of a stroke, the paralysis typically occurs on one side of the face, which can lead to asymmetry. This happens because a stroke can damage the area of the brain that controls facial muscles on the opposite side of the body. As a result, one half of the face may droop or exhibit weakness, while the other half remains unaffected.

Bell's Palsy, on the other hand, results in sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face but usually involves the entire side affected, making the features on that side appear droopy and less mobile. This condition is typically caused by inflammation of the facial nerve and also affects the entire side of the face, although it is often temporary.

Understanding the effects of these conditions on facial movement is crucial for evaluating and providing care for patients experiencing symptoms of facial paralysis.