Assessment of facial function and quality of life in patients with peripheral facial palsy

Facial palsy can have a large impact on the patients’ daily life. A patient may experience difficulties not only in the facial region, for example when eating or when closing the eyes, but also in psycho-social functioning. To measure the impact of facial palsy several assessment instruments for grading facial function and quality of life are available. In this thesis these instruments and outcomes when using these instruments were analysed.

Part I of this thesis focused on the measurement instruments themselves. Instruments that assess facial function are often used without prior training. However, it was found that a period of training is required for the correct application of these instruments. Furthermore, three commonly used instruments to assess quality of life for patients with facial palsy are not suitable to evaluate changes on an individual level. They can be applied to evaluate changes on a group level.

In part II factors impacting on quality of life of patients with facial palsy were studied. A systematic review with meta-analysis showed that facial function severity only partly explained quality of life. Other factors such as age, anxiety, depression, bilateral facial palsy and several personality traits also impact on quality of life. The factors should be taken into account when assessing quality of life in patients suffering from facial palsy.