Title: Health-related quality of life in blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm. Author: Reimer J, Gilg K, Karow A, Esser J, Franke GH. Journal: Acta Neurol Scand; 2005 Jan; 111(1):64-70. PubMed ID: 15595940. Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) has become an important outcome criterion of medical interventions, but was hardly studied in patients with facial spasms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm treated with botulinum toxin were included. A healthy control group sociodemografically matched to patients was established. Instruments applied included the SF-36 (global HRQL), the NEI-VFQ (disease-specific HRQL) and the Blepharospasm Rating/Disability Scale, the latter to patients only. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients with blepharospasm and 21 patients with hemifacial spasm took part. The Blepharospasm Rating/Disability Scale revealed minor functional limitations, but identified some symptoms to be improved. In both patient groups global (both SF-36 Component Summaries) and disease-specific (eight of 12 subscales) HRQL were significantly impaired compared with controls. CONCLUSION: HRQL should be integrated as core outcome criterion in treatment of patients with facial spasms. Assessment by a generic and a disease-specific instrument is recommended.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]
