Quality of life after hemifacial spasm surgery: French versions of the HFS-8 and HFS-30 questionnaires

The aim of the present study was to assess quality of life before and after surgery for hemifacial spasm, in order to validate two specific quality of life scales translated in French. Surgical results and complications were reported.

Twenty-three patients with hemifacial spasm treated by microvascular decompression were retrospectively included. The HFS-8 and HFS-30 quality of life scales were translated from English into French using a forward-backward method and implemented on patients at least one year after surgery.

Median HFS-8 and HFS-30 values were respectively 16±12.5 (range: 8-20.5) and 38±38.5 (range: 23-61.5) before surgery and 0.5±4.5 (range: 0-4.5) and 5±17.5 (range: 1-18.5) after surgery, showing significant improvement in quality of life (P<0.001). The internal consistency of both scales was excellent (Cronbach's alpha>0.9), and they were significantly correlated (Pearson coefficient=0.95; 95% CI [0.91; 0.98]; P<0.0001). Success rates were 83% and 91%, respectively, after primary and revision surgeries. Complications were transient with minor consequences in 80% of cases, but could impact quality of life when lasting.

These results support the validity of the French versions of HFS-8 and HFS-30. Microvascular decompression is a safe and effective treatment for hemifacial spasm, and these scales are reliable tools to assess postoperative quality of life.