Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of HFS on quality of life by comparing physical, psychological, social, and environmental well-being between HFS patients and healthy controls. Additionally, it seeks to explore trends in depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in HFS patients.

Background: Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is an uncommon movement disorder defined by involuntary contractions of facial muscles on one side of the face. It has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. HFS is not only physically uncomfortable but can also cause social, psychological, and emotional distress, often leading to depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Because the quality-of-life implications of HFS remain largely uninvestigated, the objective of this study was to characterize the psychosocial burden of this condition, as well as comorbidities associated with its development.

Method: This case-control study included 18 patients diagnosed with HFS and 17 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U, Fisher’s exact, and Chi-square tests.

Results: Although statistical significance was not reached, an interesting trend was observed towards more significant depressive symptoms and poor sleep quality in HFS patients than controls (p=0.407). Psychological well-being was worse in the HFS group with moderate to severe psychological distress (38.9% vs. 29.4%). While self-reported social and environmental quality-of-life measures also trended toward worsening in HFS patients, differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: These early results indicate that HFS may affect psychological status and daily activity. Although the differences were not statistically significant, the observed trends suggest that more extensive studies are needed to validate these associations. It still requires a multidisciplinary approach for the overall improvement of the patient by integrating neurological and psychosocial aid.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/assessment-of-quality-of-life-in-patients-with-hemifacial-spasm-preliminary-report-of-a-case-control-study/