'Your face freezes and so does your life': A qualitative exploration of adults' psychosocial experiences of living with acquired facial palsy

Electromyography as an Objective Outcome Measure for the Therapeutic Effect of Biofeedback Training to Reduce Post-Paralytic Facial Synkinesis

Biofeedback rehabilitation for facial palsy is not yet routinely available for patients. Methods: To improve evidence, the effect of an intensive two-week facial training combining electromyography (EMG) and visual biofeedback training of 30 patients (76.7% female; median age: 48.6 years) with post-paralytic facial synkinesis was objectively evaluated. At the beginning of each training day, EMG amplitudes of both halves of the face were recorded during relaxation using the EMG system that was synchronously used for the EMG biofeedback training. A single-factor analysis of variance was performed for the change over time, and a t-test was used to evaluate the side differences. Results: At the end of the training program, there was a significant decrease in the EMG amplitudes of both halves of the face (synkinetic side: p < 0.001; contralateral side p = 0.003), indicating an improved voluntary muscle relaxation. There was also a significant improvement in Sunnybrook Facial Grading System, Facial Disability Index and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation scores, which were assessed before the start of training and at the end (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Electrophysiological improvements can be objectively measured using surface EMG.

Clinical and patient-reported outcomes between full-endoscopic and conventional parotidectomy: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of full-endoscopic parotidectomy compared to the conventional approach.

METHODS

Between July 2021 and December 2023, patients who underwent parotidectomy were prospectively enrolled and assigned to either the full-endoscopic parotidectomy group (Group I) or the conventional surgery group (Group II). Clinical outcomes were evaluated, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale and five FACE-Q scales.

RESULTS

A total of 293 patients were prospectively included, with 146 in the full-endoscopic group and 147 in the conventional group. Blood loss was significantly lower in the full-endoscopic group (regression coefficient, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.15 to 1.07), as was the rate of immediate facial paralysis (0.76; 95% CI, 0.25 to 1.27). The full-endoscopic group also showed superior outcomes on the Visual Analogue Scale (- 0.14; 95% CI, - 0.23 to - 0.05) and FACE-Q scales for Appearance-Related Psychosocial Distress (1.15; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.71), Social Function (- 0.37; 95% CI, - 0.59 to - 0.15), Satisfaction with Facial Appearance (- 0.44; 95% CI, - 0.64 to - 0.23), Psychological Function (- 0.39; 95% CI, - 0.58 to - 0.20), and Satisfaction With Outcome (- 0.42; 95% CI, - 0.66 to - 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Full-endoscopic parotidectomy yields less blood loss and a reduced incidence of immediate facial paralysis compared to conventional surgery. Patients undergoing full-endoscopic parotidectomy reported better aesthetic and psychological outcomes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The combined analysis of clinical and patient-reported outcomes is valuable in guiding surgical planning. These findings provide valuable insights for patients considering full-endoscopic parotidectomy and underscore the importance of addressing functional, aesthetic, and psychological aspects for both patients and healthcare providers.

Psychological Aspects of Facial Palsy

This article discusses the psychological effects of facial palsy (FP) in adults. FP is the abnormal functioning of facial muscles resulting from temporary or permanent damage of the facial nerves. Following facial paralysis, patients can develop motor and psychosocial functioning issues impacting quality of life. In addition, real or perceived judgment in social settings of those with FP increases the risk of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Currently, most available research focuses on surgical patients and suggests a lack of psychological support throughout the affliction. A multidisciplinary approach when treating patients with FP can help improve the patient's quality of life.

Quality of life and broader experiences of those with acoustic neuroma: a mixed methods approach

Background Acoustic neuromas (ANs) are consistently associated with decreased quality of life (QOL) related to the physical and psychosocial impacts of symptoms experienced from the tumour and its treatment. This study explored patient-reported experiences of ANs in New Zealand, with a focus on the impact on QOL and the provision of information, support and services. Methods A mixed methods approach was taken, conducting an online community survey that included the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life Scale (N  = 52). Those who indicated interest were offered semi-structured interviews after the survey (N  = 17), which were analysed using content analysis. Results A negative impact on QOL was found, highlighting five key themes in the experiences of people: (1) ongoing physical, social and psychological impacts; (2) information and support from the medical system; (3) autonomy and decision-making; (4) the importance of peer support; and (5) remaining positive - life goes on. Conclusions Our findings indicate areas for improvement that may benefit people's healthcare experience and QOL. Both quantitative and qualitative results identified gaps associated with person-centred care and the need for information, education, emotional support and access to services. Recommendations include a need for more information (verbal and written) during all stages of diagnosis and treatment, shared decision-making and increased access to allied health, including psychological services and support groups.

The psychological and psychosocial effects of facial paralysis: A review

Facial nerve function is essential for a multitude of processes in the face, including facial movement; expression; and functions, such as eating, smiling, and blinking. When facial nerve function is disrupted, facial paralysis may occur and various complications for the patient may result. Much research has been conducted on the physical diagnosis, management, and treatment of facial paralysis. However, there is a lack of knowledge of the psychological and social effects of the condition. Patients may be at an increased risk for anxiety and depression, as well as negative self and social perceptions. This review analyzes the current literature on the various adverse psychological and psychosocial effects of facial paralysis, factors that may play a role, and treatment options that may help improve patients' quality of life.

Current state of management and outcomes of facial nerve palsy in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the protocol is to present the methodology of a scoping review that aims to synthesise up-to-date evidence on the management and outcomes of facial nerve palsy in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The scoping review will be conducted per the Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Manual. The scoping review question, eligibility criteria and search strategy will be developed in accordance to the Population, Concept, and Context strategy. The search will be conducted in electronic bibliographic databases (Medline (OVID), Embase, WHO Global Index Medicus, Cochrane Library, Global Health, African Journals Online). The review will synthesise and report the findings with descriptive statistics and a narrative description of both quantitative and qualitative evidence.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This scoping review does not require ethical approval. This protocol will describe the proposed scoping review that will map the evidence on the management and outcomes of facial nerve palsies in LMICs. The proposed review aims to collate and summarise published literature to inform policy-makers and healthcare organisations and governments and to identify knowledge gaps that will translate into future research priorities in LMICs.

Facial Emotion Recognition in Patients with Post-Paralytic Facial Synkinesis-A Present Competence

Facial palsy is a movement disorder with impacts on verbal and nonverbal communication. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of post-paralytic facial synkinesis on facial emotion recognition. In a prospective cross-sectional study, we compared facial emotion recognition between n = 30 patients with post-paralytic facial synkinesis (mean disease time: 1581 ± 1237 days) and n = 30 healthy controls matched in sex, age, and education level. Facial emotion recognition was measured by the Myfacetraining Program. As an intra-individual control condition, auditory emotion recognition was assessed via Montreal Affective Voices. Moreover, self-assessed emotion recognition was studied with questionnaires. In facial as well as auditory emotion recognition, on average, there was no significant difference between patients and healthy controls. The outcomes of the measurements as well as the self-reports were comparable between patients and healthy controls. In contrast to previous studies in patients with peripheral and central facial palsy, these results indicate unimpaired ability for facial emotion recognition. Only in single patients with pronounced facial asymmetry and severe facial synkinesis was an impaired facial and auditory emotion recognition detected. Further studies should compare emotion recognition in patients with pronounced facial asymmetry in acute and chronic peripheral paralysis and central and peripheral facial palsy.

Psychological Factors of Emotional Disadaptation in Patients with Facial Movement Disorders

<p style="text-align: justify;">The article presents the results of a pilot study of personality factors that affect the severity of symptoms of emotional disadaptation among patients with movement disorders in the face. The study involved 41 patients with an established neurological diagnosis with clinical manifestations in the form of movement disorders in the face. The age of the respondents ranged from 22 to 66 years (mean age &ndash; 35.5&plusmn;9.40). While studying the severity of emotional disadaptation the following have been included: the BFNE scale of fear of negative evaluation, aimed at studying the severity of fear of negative evaluation from others people (Leary, 1983; adaptation of E.N. Klimenkova, A.B. Kholmogorova, 2017), a depression scale aimed at examining the severity of symptoms of depression (Beck, 1961; adaptation of N.V. Tarabrina, 2001) and a Situational inventory of body image dysphoria designed to assess the negative attitude towards one's own body in the context certain situations (SIBID, Cash, 1994; adaptation of L.T. Baranskaya, A.E. Tkachenko, S.S. Tataurova, 2008) To study the psychological factors of emotional maladaptation, we used a three-factor questionnaire of physical perfectionism (A.B. Kholmogorova, A.A. Rakhmanina, 2020), a three-factor questionnaire of perfectionism (N.G. Garanyan, A.B. Kholmogorova , T.Yu. Yudeeva, 2018) and alexithymia scale (Toronto Alexithymia Scale or TAS-20 &ndash; G.J. Taylor et al., 1985; E.G. Starostina, 2009). Increased indicators of social anxiety were revealed in 66% of respondents, and moderate or severe symptoms of depression &ndash; in 39%; more than a third of respondents (37%) note increased appearance dissatisfaction. Physical appearance perfectionism, perfectionist cognitive style, and externally oriented thinking influenced body dissatisfaction level. In turn, the level of social anxiety depends on the level of socially prescribed perfectionism and the severity of external thinking, and the severity of symptoms of depression depends on the perfectionist&rsquo;s cognitive style and the difficulty of identifying feelings. The results obtained substantiate the need to organize psychological assistance to this contingent and, on the basis of the developed methodological complex, make it possible to identify patients with an increased risk of emotional maladaptation.</p>