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What is Hemifacial Spasm? Hemifacial spasm occurs most often in women, in middle to later life. "The first symptom .. of hemifacial spasm is usually an intermittent
twitching of the eyelid muscle which can lead to forced closure of the
eye. The spasm may then gradually spread to involve the muscles of the
lower face, which may cause the mouth to be pulled to one side. Eventually
the spasms involve all of the muscles on one side of the face almost continuously.
The condition may be caused by a facial nerve injury or a tumor, or it
may have no apparent cause. Very commonly, hemifacial spasm is caused by
a blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve." [Reference:"Hemifacial
Spasm,Fact Sheet"
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke] The early stages of this disorder may also be called "Benign Essential Blepharospasm", though it is unlikely to be perceived as "benign" by a patient who has significant symptoms. Another term that may be used for the effect of the disorder on the eyelids, is "Miege Syndrome." How is Hemifacial Spasm Diagnosed? This disorder is diagnosed based on the patient's observed symptoms. Most typically, hemifacial spasm does not directly create face pain. Thus if pain is present, additional neurological assessment may be medically indicated. How is Hemifacial Spasm Treated? "No drug has proven effective in preventing or stopping hemifacial spasm. Muscle relaxants and the drugs used for trigeminal neuralgia commonly are given to patients with hemifacial spasm, however they rarely help. In the past, attempts were made to cut or crush the branches of the facial nerve. However, these destructive procedures were associated with facial paralysis and when the paralysis recovered the spasms returned." Non-surgical treatment of hemifacial spasm may involve repeated injections of Botulinum-A toxin to weaken the muscles of the face and reduce the more pronounced effects of spasm. Periods of effectiveness for such injections are highly variable between patients.Where Can I Find a Healthcare Professional Who Treats Hemifacial Spasm? The Treatment Team at WPAHS Peter Jannetta, M.D., Professor of Neurosurgery, Allegheny General Hospital.Patient Support Groups and Bulletin Boards Additional Information on the Internet Healthlink USA -- http://healthlinkusa.com/375.html - links to websites for diagnosis, treatment, patient support, etc.
DISCLAIMER:Every effort has been made by the author(s) to provide accurate, up-to-date information. However, the medical knowledge base is dynamic and errors can occur. By using the information contained herein, the viewer willingly assumes all risks in connection with such use. Neither the author nor WPAHS shall be held responsible for errors, omissions in information herein nor liable for any special, consequential, or exemplary damages resulting, in whole or in part, from any viewer(s)' use of or reliance upon, this material. CLINICAL DISCLAIMER:Clinical information is provided for educational purposes and not as a medical or professional service. Person(s) who are not medical professionals should have clinical information reviewed and interpreted or applied only by the appropriate health professional(s). |
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Frequently Asked Questions on Healthcare Face Pain Overview * Trigeminal Neuralgia * Hemifacial Spasm * Meniere's Disease * Vertigo * Tinitis * Hypertension * Torticollis and Spasmodic Torticollis For questions or comments, please contact: aghneuro@wpahs.org * Department of Neurosurgery * Allegheny General Hospital * 320 East North Ave. * Pittsburgh, PA 15212 * (412) 359-6200 * Toll Free: 877-284-2000 © 2000 West Penn Allegheny
Health System
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