The Lived Experience of Facial Paralysis: Impact of Etiology on Patient Perceptions

Patient-reported outcomes and lived experience in facial paralysis differ meaningfully by etiology. Beyond clinical severity, a patient's emotional intelligence, social context, and underlying cause of paralysis shape personal perceptions of appearance, function, and well-being. These findings highlight the importance of etiology-specific counseling, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support to optimize recovery and quality of life.