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Facial Plast Surg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1782678
Original Article

Psychological Aspects of Facial Palsy

Eamon Shamil 
1   Department of ENT Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
2   Department of ENT Surgery, The Royal National ENT Hospital, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
,
Maria Noriega
2   Department of ENT Surgery, The Royal National ENT Hospital, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
,
Sarah Moin
3   Department of ENT Surgery, Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
,
Tsz Ki Ko
4   Department of ENT Surgery, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
,
Denise Jia Yun Tan
4   Department of ENT Surgery, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
,
Catherine Meller
5   Department of ENT Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
,
Peter Andrews
6   Department of ENT Surgery, Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
,
Garyfalia Lekakis
7   Department of ENT Surgery, Hôpitaux Iris Sud HIS, Brussels, Belgium
8   University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, BE, Louise Medical Center, Bruxelles, Belgium
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

facial palsy - psychology - facial paralysis - surgery - psychosocial


Publication History

Article published online:
22 April 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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