Poor care pathways for facial palsy causes distress to patients and wastes NHS funds
A survey published today by charity Facial Palsy UK, found that a quarter of patients diagnosed with facial palsy are misdiagnosed. The report was released as part of Facial Palsy Awareness Week which runs from 1st-7th March. Misdiagnosis may lead to incorrect and/or delayed treatments which can have a devastating effect on patient outcomes, leaving many patients experiencing chronic pain and permanent facial disability. In addition, only around a third of patients were given appropriate eye care advice and eye lubrication despite not being able to close or blink their eye, risking their sight. Two thirds of patients who needed follow-up health care stated they had attended one or more appointments that were of no benefit to them because the health professional was not an expert in facial palsy. Facial Palsy UK is calling on the NHS to urgently review health care for patients with facial palsy, this will not only improve care but also reduce NHS inefficiencies.
The survey of 264 people diagnosed with facial palsy also found the most common reason for patients with ongoing symptoms not being referred to a specialist was because their GP did not who or where to refer them to. Over half of those referred to a specialist waited a year or more for the appointment. For those not destined to recover from an acquired facial palsy, many of the treatment options available to restore function in the patient’s facial muscles start to become less effective/ineffective at this time. This means that, not only is the patient’s long-term outcome impacted upon, the cost of any subsequent treatments (e.g. facial reanimation surgery) becomes significantly more expensive. Delays in seeing a facial palsy specialist wastes NHS money.
41 year old Selma Abbey from Bexleyheath says: “I developed Bell’s palsy in 2011 days before giving birth and six months later was still struggling, my GP said be patient and do my own internet research. I was later referred to a general physiotherapist who gave me exercises to do which I later found out were incorrect. A third GP said I should have been seen by a specialist months ago. I now had synkinesis, where when I eat, laugh or yawn, my left eye closes when it shouldn’t. After fifteen months of distress I finally saw a facial palsy specialist and had specialist facial therapy combined with regular Botox injections. More recently I’ve had a new surgery to help relieve tightness and pulling in my lower face and neck. I can’t help but feel that if I had been seen sooner then the synkinesis would not have become so embedded because the longer you are left the harder it is to retrain facial muscles.”
Charles Nduka, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and founder of Facial Palsy UK says: “The physical, emotional and social effects of facial paralysis can be severe and long-lasting. These effects are compounded by a profound sense of regret due to delayed or mis-diagnosis. Sadly, there is a misconception that facial palsy is primarily a cosmetic issue. There’s also a lack of awareness of the need for early advice and treatment to minimise complications. Whilst the situation is better than when the charity started 10 years ago, there’s more to do so that everyone has early access to high quality advice and treatment.”
During this year’s Facial Palsy Awareness Week (1-7 March) it is more important than ever to raise awareness about facial palsy. Achieving earlier diagnosis and improved pathways of care for those affected could greatly improve patient outcomes and save NHS money – a double win.
ENDS
For further information call 0300 030 9333 or email Karen Johnson on media@facialpalsy.org.uk.
Notes to editors
Facial Palsy Awareness Week runs from 1-7 March every year.
Around 100,000 people are thought to be affected by facial palsy in the UK.
In the UK there is a 1 in 60 lifetime chance of acquiring Bell’s Palsy, the most common form.
Website: https://www.facialpalsy.org.uk/
Link to survey:
About the surgery
Selective neurolysis (also known as selective neurectomy) is a new surgery technique which aims to improve facial comfort, enhance the coordination of facial movement and reduce muscle tightness. The procedure involves the permanent division of one or more branches of the facial nerve and may be done in combination with the permanent division of one or more muscles of the face (myectomy).
Further information:
https://www.facialpalsy.org.uk/support/surgery/selective-neurolysis-neurectomy-and-myectomy/
Last reviewed: 01-03-2023 || Next review due: 01-09-2025