Quality of Life in Patients with Facial Paralysis: Comparison with the General Population and Associated Factors

Abstract

Background:

Facial paralysis can negatively impact quality of life (QoL), but its impact compared to other groups is unknown.

Objectives:

To compare QoL domain scores of facial paralysis patients with the general population, patients with burns, and patients referred for medical-psychological counselling; evaluate associations with demographic and disease-related factors.

Methods:

Medical data of facial paralysis patients were extracted from electronic health records. Participants completed the RAND-36. Mean domain scores between samples were compared using t-tests with Bonferroni correction. Associations with demographic and disease-related variables were assessed using t-tests and Pearson correlations.

Results:

Among 177 participants (mean age 58.1 years, 63% female), QoL scores were >5 points (all p < 0.05) lower than the general population across all QoL domains except “Physical function” and “Pain.” Scores were comparable to patients with burns and better than individuals referred to medical psychology (difference >5 points, all p < 0.05). Younger age was associated with lower mental health (r = 0.16, p = 0.032) and vitality (r = 0.17, p = 0.026). Females had significantly worse mental health (ES = −0.32), vitality (ES = −0.32), and general health (ES = −0.38).

Conclusions:

Facial paralysis is associated with reduced QoL on physical, psychological, and social domains. Clinicians should acknowledge this impact and refer patients to specialists in coping with facial disfigurement when appropriate.