A neurological examination can test the functioning of individual cranial nerves, and detect specific impairments.

Symptoms include flattening of the forehead, sagging of the eyebrow, and difficulty closing the eye and the mouth on the side of the face that is affected.

Recovery rate also depends on the cause of the facial nerve palsy (e.g. infections, perinatal injury, congenital dysplastic).

Facial nerve palsy may be the indication of a severe condition and when diagnosed a full clinical history and examination are recommended.

Symptoms found include headaches (bitemporal or occipital), the inability to close the eyes or mouth, and may cause the reduction of taste.