Definition
Definition
Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder that causes frequent involuntary contractions to occur in the muscles on one side of the face.
Causes
Causes
Hemifacial spasm doesn’t always have a specific cause. It may occur as a result of:
- A blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve
- Tumor
- Facial nerve injury
- Bony or other abnormalities that compress the nerve
Muscles of the FaceCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Hemifacial spasm is more common in middle-aged and elderly women. It is also more common in Asians.
Symptoms
Symptoms
- Intermittent twitching of the eyelid muscle
- Forced closure of the eye
- Spasms of the muscles of the lower face
- Mouth pulled to one side
- Continuous spasms involving all the muscles on one side of the face
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
- Electromyography (EMG)—records electrical activity generated in muscle while contracting and relaxing
- Angiography —uses contrast material to see blood vessels
Images of internal body structures may be taken with an MRI scan or CT scan.
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
Medication
Your doctor may recommend antiseizure medications to help relieve symptoms.
Botulinum Toxin Injections
Injecting botulinum toxin into the affected muscles can stop eyelid spasm for several months. These injections must be repeated, usually several times a year. Botulinum toxin injections are the treatment of choice.
Surgery
Microvascular decompression surgery repositions the blood vessel away from the nerve. This is successful in cases of hemifacial spasm where the cause is suspected to be a blood vessel compressing the facial nerve.
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent hemifacial spasm.
RESOURCES:
National Organization for Rare Disorders http://www.rarediseases.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
Defazio G, Martino D, Aniello MS, et al. Influence of age on the association between primary hemifacial spasm and arterial hypertension. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003;74(7):979-981.
Digre K, Corbett JJ. Hemifacial spasm: Differential diagnosis, mechanism, and treatment. Adv Neurol. 1988;49:151-176.
NINDS hemifacial spasm information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/hemifacial_spasm/hemifacial_spasm.htm
Updated October 11, 2011. Accessed July 11, 2013.
Last Updated: 5/30/2014