Did you know the face has 43 muscles? These are tiny muscles that control facial expressions like smiling, smirking and frowning. In fact, there is a condition called Bell’s palsy that affects facial muscles, as a direct result of nerve damage.

The dysfunction affects a primary cranial nerve that controls facial muscles, resulting in temporary paralysis for some, but others experience lingering effects that can last several years.

Causes include a brain tumor, stroke or Lyme disease.