1. Is the weakness of the left side of the face of the upper motor neuron or lower motor neuron type?
2. Why was this patient having difficulty swallowing food?
3. Was the involvement in this case intrinsic to or extrinsic to the central nervous system?
4. Is the pathologic process in this patient localized or multifocal?
5. List the structures that were involved by the pathologic process to produce each of the abnormal signs and symptoms experienced by this patient.
a. Diminished right gag reflex
b. Right palate weakness
c. Left LMN facial weakness
Left facial nerve (VII) proximal to the internal acoustic meatus
6. In general, what type of pathologic process do you think is involved in this case?