Comparing Casual Observer Perception of Facial Paralysis Subtypes.

BACKGROUND

There is a spectrum of clinical presentations after facial nerve injury, from complete facial paralysis (CFP) to facial synkinesis (FS).

OBJECTIVE

To measure and compare how laypersons perceive faces with CFP versus FS.

METHODS

Lay observers were presented with standardized videos of 24 individuals' faces: 8 with CFP, 8 with FS, and 8 nonparalyzed Controls performing common facial expressions. Observers were given a questionnaire and asked to rate the faces on varying subjective measurements of facial perception.

RESULTS

Five hundred and fifty-seven observers completed the survey. Observers viewed Control faces most favorably with higher perceived attractiveness and quality of life than CFP (p < 0.01; p < 0.01) and FS (p = 0.02; p < 0.01) faces. FS faces were rated more favorably than CFP faces (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There are measurable differences in how casual observers perceive faces with different subtypes of facial paralysis. Compared to nonparalyzed faces, both FS and CFP were viewed more negatively; however, CFP was perceived more negatively compared to FS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.