Which symptom is most commonly associated with Bell's Palsy?

Bell's Palsy is characterized primarily by sudden onset facial weakness or facial droop, which affects one side of the face. This occurs due to inflammation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), leading to impaired motor function in the muscles of facial expression. Patients may present with a variety of symptoms, but the hallmark of this condition is the noticeable asymmetrical appearance of the face, where one side appears to droop.

In addition to facial droop, individuals with Bell's Palsy may experience other associated symptoms, such as altered sensation or taste changes, but the most recognizable and definitive symptom that stands out is the facial droop itself. This is why it is the most commonly noted symptom in clinical presentations of Bell's Palsy. The other symptoms listed, while they can occur in different contexts, do not specifically define Bell's Palsy in the same way that facial droop does.