Relationship Between Facial Palsy and Psychological Distress (NCT07511140) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Relationship Between Facial Palsy and Psychological Distress
Egypt85 participantsStarted 2026-04-15
Plain-language summary
The goal of this observational cross-sectional study is to investigate whether the severity of facial dysfunction is associated with psychological distress in patients with unilateral facial palsy.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Is there a significant relationship between the degree of facial muscle dysfunction (as measured by Sunnybrook Facial Grading Scale and EMG parameters) and levels of anxiety and depression (as measured by HADS)?
* Does reduced facial function correlate with lower self-esteem levels (as measured by the Arabic version of the Single-Item Self-Esteem Scale)?
Researcher will assess and analyze the correlation between facial motor impairment and psychological outcomes to determine whether greater functional impairment is associated with increased psychological distress.
Participants will:
* Undergo clinical assessment using the Sunnybrook Facial Grading Scale to evaluate facial nerve function
* Receive electrophysiological evaluation using surface electromyography (sEMG) to measure muscle activity
* Complete standardized questionnaires including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Arabic Single-Item Self-Esteem Scale (A-SISE)
Who can participate
Age range
25 Years – 50 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients with unilateral idiopathic Bell's palsy confirmed by nerve conduction studies (NCS) will be included.
* The age of patients ranged from 25 to 50 years.
* The duration of Bell's palsy ranged from three months to two years.
* Patients with a body mass index (BMI) less than 30 kg/m² will be included.
* Only patients who were able to comprehend and complete questionnaires will be included in the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of recurrent facial palsy or bilateral facial nerve involvement.
* Presence of other neurological disorders unrelated to facial palsy affecting the face (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis).
* A current diagnosis of psychiatric illness prior to the onset of facial palsy.
* Cognitive impairment preventing valid completion of assessments.
* Sleep disorders.
* Diabetes mellitus.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Multidimensional association between facial dysfunction and psychological outcomes
Timeframe: Baseline (single assessment at time of enrollment)