Continual rehabilitation motivation of patients with postparalytic facial nerve syndrome

PURPOSE: To evaluate the continued rehabilitation motivation in patients with postparalytic facial synkinesis (PFS). METHODS: In this single-center cross-sectional survey, the multidimensional patient questionnaire for assessment of rehabilitation motivation (PAREMO-20) was used to assess the rehabilitation motivation. Associations Sunnybrook and Stennert index grading, Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) survey, general quality of life (SF-36), Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9, technology commitment and affinity, and interest in further therapy were analyzed. RESULTS: 69 adults with PFS (73% women; median age: 54 years) answered the survey. In comparison to prior treatment forms, there was a significant higher future interest in computer-based home facial training (p < 0.0001). For PAREMO Psychological burden subscore, SF36 Emotional role was the highest negative correlative factor (p < 0.0001). For PAREMO Physical burden subscore, SF-36 General health was the highest negative correlative factor (p = 0.018). Working (p = 0.033) and permanent relationship (p = 0.029) were the only independent factors correlated to PAREMO Social Support Subscore. Higher positive impacts of technology affinity was inversely correlated to PAREMO Knowledge subscore (p = 0.017). Lower SF-36 Role physical subscore p = 0.045) and a lower SF-36 General health (p = 0.013) were correlated to a higher PAREMO Skepticism subscore. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PFS seem to have a high facial motor and non-motor psychosocial impairment even after several facial therapies. Rehabilitation-related motivation increases with both, higher facial motor and non-motor dysfunction. Social and emotional dysfunction are drivers to be interested in innovative digital therapy forms. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00405-021-06895-2.