What is hemifacial spasm?

Hemifacial spasm is a neurological disorder. It causes twitching (spasms) of muscles on one side (hemi-) of the face (facial).

Who may get hemifacial spasms?

Both men and women may develop a condition. More likely, women who are over the age of 40 will develop the condition.

What causes hemifacial spasm?

The cause of hemifacial spasm is compressed facial nerves. Organs communicating information electronically, such as sending electrical impulses from one part of the body to another, are called nerves. The nervous system is made up of a network of electrical signals.

In most cases, twitches occur because a blood vessel—a tube carrying blood around your body—compresses a facial nerve. Benign or not cancerous, head and neck tumors may also compress nerves.

Sometimes, there is no known cause for the facial twitches. When a cause has not been identified, medical professionals refer to the condition as idiopathic hemifacial spasm.

What are the signs of hemifacial spasm?

Ordinarily, the first symptom of hemifacial spasm is intermittent eyelid twitching. Twitching of the eyelids does not usually indicate a health issue. If you have hemifacial spasm, eyelid twitching becomes twitching of other facial muscles.

With hemifacial spasm, muscle twitches can pull the mouth to one side. Over time, these twitches may occur continuously. The spasms can worsen when you are stressed or tired.

What is the diagnosis of hemifacial spasm?

Your healthcare provider will perform a neurological exam to diagnose hemifacial spasm. This exam checks how well your brain is working. You will probably need a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. An MRI uses radio waves and magnets to create pictures of what is inside your body.

How to treat hemifacial spasm?

Based on the severity of symptoms, your healthcare provider may suggest:

• Oral medication
• Botox® injections (botulinum toxin type A)
• Surgery

What are oral medications for hemifacial spasms?

Oral medication might be prescribed as the first treatment line, provided the symptoms are mild. It works by cutting off or dampening these electrical signals from the brain, causing spasms. Oral medications include:

The following:

• Carbamazepine (brand name: Tegretol®) is a medication used to treat seizures and nerve pain.
• Clonazepam (brand name: Klonopin®) is used for anxiety and seizure disorders.
• Baclofen (brand name: Lioresal®) helps with muscle spasms.

What are the side effects of oral medications for hemifacial spasms?

Hemifacial spasm drugs cause mild to moderate side effects, which include the following:

• Balance problems.
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Skin rash.

What are botulinum toxin injections?

Botulinum toxin injections are the best treatment for most people with hemifacial spasms.

A healthcare provider uses a small needle to inject a tiny amount of botulinum toxin around the facial muscles that are affected. These injections weaken the muscles temporarily and stop the spasms. Most people need to get these injections every three to six months.

What are the side effects of injections used for treating hemifacial spasms?

In the first three days following an injection of botulinum toxin (such as Botox®), you may experience:

• Eye irritation.
• Eyelid drooping.
• Temporary facial weakness.

What is done in surgery for hemifacial spasms?

Sometimes, spasms are caused by a blood vessel compressing the facial nerve. In this case, healthcare providers may advise MVD surgery.

In MVD surgery, the surgeon applies a small metal plate that relieves compression. It calms down facial spasms. The surgeon will also do the following during the procedure:

• Lift a small part of the skull
• Identify which blood vessel presses on your facial nerve.
• He will then put a small metal plate between your nerve and blood vessel.
• Secure the skull with a small metal plate and screws.

What side effects can occur after surgery for hemifacial spasms?

People who receive MVD surgery for hemifacial spasm may find:

• Decreased hearing.
• Weakened facial muscles.

Is there a cure for hemifacial spasms?

There is no known cure for hemifacial spasms. Most people experience symptoms that improve or disappear with treatment.

How can I prevent hemifacial spasms?

There is no known prevention for hemifacial spasms.

What conditions are associated with hemifacial spasm?

Some conditions cause symptoms that are like those of hemifacial spasms. Conditions affecting the facial nerves include:

• Bell's palsy.
• Head and neck tumors may be benign (not cancer) or head and neck cancer.
• Trigeminal neuralgia.

Is hemifacial spasm a short-term or chronic condition?

Hemifacial spasm is generally a chronic (long-term) condition.

Does hemifacial spasm recur following treatment?

If you have oral medication or injection therapy, you will have to continue the treatment for a long time. If you discontinue the treatment, your spasms may recur.

Surgery typically eliminates the symptoms of hemifacial spasms. However, even after surgery, the twitches may recur.

Living With

What is the best way to cope with hemifacial spasms?

If you have hemifacial spasms, you can reduce your symptoms by:

• Avoiding fatigue.
• Limiting caffeine and other stimulants.
• Managing anxiety.
• Minimizing stress.

To seek an expert consultation

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back