Risk Factors of Fu et al for Psychological Distress Associated with Facial Nerve Palsy

Description

Fu et al evaluated factors affecting the level of distress experienced by a patient with facial nerve palsy. A significant percent of patients with facial palsy experience distress, which may not always be communicated to others. The authors are from the University of Manchester and the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

Features of the palsy affecting distress:

(1) longer duration

(2) perception of the underlying illness and its consequences

The severity of the palsy did not correlate with the level of distress experienced.

Emotional factors that may increase distress:

(1) anxiety, which was greater in females

(2) depression

(3) maladaptive behaviors

Embarrassment:

(1) because of perceiving self as disfigured

(2) when eating

(3) when talking

Frustration

(1) with being unable to express emotions

(2) with being unable to communicate effectively with others

(3) with being misinterpreted by others

All patients with facial nerve palsy should be screened for distress.

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