A man who began to drool

Facial weakness is another classic neurologic presentation. This man presents with facial weakness and several other neurologic complaints. This case discusses the appropriate approach to assessing a patient with facial weakness, which can be surprisingly challenging. In many instances, the patient, family or other witnesses, and even healthcare providers mistakenly identify which part of the face or even side of the face is weak. Clarifying the localization of facial weakness extends to much more than just looking at the pattern of facial weakness (forehead involvement or sparing) on exam. Ancillary exam testing can solidify the diagnosis of a central versus peripheral etiology of the weakness.