Cognitive Function and Emotional Possessing in Bilateral Facial Palsy
Condition: Intelligence; Emotion
MeSH terms: Bell Palsy; Facial Paralysis
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      Based on recent findings that botulinum toxin injections in the cranial muscles might reduce
      emotional processing (Havas 2011), an increasing number of popular newspaper tabloids are
      suggesting a negative effect on cognition. The underlying research articles address the
      "facial feedback hypothesis". The hypothesis indicates that expressive behaviour, including
      facial mimic expressions influences the subject's brain via feedback. (Alam 2008) Other
      systemic neurological diseases, e.g of inflammatory origin, may lead to temporary bilateral
      facial nerve palsy (BF). During recovery process, the palsy usually remits completely.

      The effect of bilateral facial muscle palsy on cognition and emotional possessing has never
      been evaluated.

      The results of this pilot study might provide new information about the effect bilateral
      facial palsy on emotional processing and cognition and the facial feedback hypothesis.

      The aim of this controlled pilot study is to assess cognitive function and emotional
      processing in patients with bilateral facial palsy. In addition, differences in cognitive
      function and emotional processing in patients with different manifestations of dystonia
      should be evaluated.

      According to the facial feedback theory, paralysed mimic muscles might alter emotional
      processing. Therefore, investigators compare patients with bilateral facial muscle palsy and
      healthy controls. Investigators expect no influence of facial muscle palsy on cognitive
      functions in any of the tested groups; the investigators expect a mild impairment of
      emotional processing only in the patients group with bilateral facial muscle palsy (BEB and
      BF). In addition, the investigators expect no difference in emotional processing in patients
      with different manifestations of dystonia (BEB and CD) at remission. There might be a slight
      difference of emotional processing in patients with different manifestations of dystonia (BEB
      and CD) at time of prominent facial palsy.
    


Observational model: Case-Control
Time perspective: Prospective
Sampling method: Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Two patient groups with bilateral facial palsy, 31 patients each (group A: BEB, , group C:
        BF), recruited from the Botulinum toxin outpatient's clinic and general outpatient's clinic
        of the Medical University of Vienna. Two control groups, 31 patients with CD, recruited
        from the Botulinum toxin outpatient's clinic of the Medical University of Vienna, and and
        31 age-and education-matched HC, will perform neuropsychological testing of approximately
        60 minutes duration at time of prominent facial palsy (baseline) and at remission (visit
        1). HC age and education matched, will be tested twice.

        A total of 124 persons will be tested. All participants will sign an informed consent form.
        Group A: 31 BEB Group B: 31 CD Group C: 31 BF Group D: 31 HC