Hemifacial spasm

Hemifacial spasm is a neurological disorder characterized by frequent involuntary contractions (spasms) of the muscles on one side (hemi-) of the face (facial). The disorder occurs in both men and women, although it more frequently affects middle-aged or elderly women. It is much more common in people of Asian descent.

Symptoms

The first symptom is usually an intermittent twitching of the eyelid muscle that 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.

Causes

Hemifacial spasm is most often caused by a blood vessel touching a facial nerve, but it may also be caused by a facial nerve injury or a tumor, or it may not have a cause.

Treatment

Treatment options include medications, Botox injections, or surgery. The most effective treatment is a type of surgery called microvascular decompression, which relieves pressure on the facial nerve.

Prognosis

The disorder may continue indefinitely. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, hemifacial spasm can be debilitating. In addition, because it is a rare disease, it may be misdiagnosed or overlooked.

Research

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research related to hemifacial spasm in its laboratories at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and also supports additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country.

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