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

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

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.

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.

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).

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.