Impact of Physical and Mental Health in Patients With Facial Palsy

Health Impact of Facial Palsy

Abstract

Background: Facial palsy, resulting from facial nerve (CN-VII) damage, profoundly affects physical and mental health. Patients often experience functional challenges in eating, drinking, and speaking, coupled with psychological issues such as anxiety and depression stemming from altered facial muscle function.

Objectives: To evaluate the interrelationship between physical and mental health outcomes, specifically anxiety and depression, in patients with facial palsy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 73 participants (38 men, 35 women; mean age: 57.10 ± 6.72 years) experiencing facial palsy for an average of 4.19 ± 1.56 months. Physical impairment was measured using the Facial Disability Index (FDI), while anxiety and depression levels were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Pearson correlation analysis was employed to determine the relationships between physical and mental health indicators.

Results: Among patients, 45 (61.6%) had left-sided palsy and 28 (38.4%) had right-sided palsy. HADS scores indicated that 5.5% were normal, 63% borderline abnormal, and 31.5% abnormal for anxiety and depression. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between FDI and HADS depression (r=0.231, p=0.04) and FDI and HADS anxiety (r=0.231, p=0.04).

Conclusion: The findings of this study underscored the profound interplay between physical and mental health in patients with facial palsy, emphasizing the need for patient-centered, multidisciplinary care.

Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Facial Disability Index, Facial nerve damage, Facial palsy, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Mental health, Physical impairment, Quality of life.