Hemifacial Spasm
Diagnosis and treatment of involuntary one-sided facial spasms — including MRI evaluation, neurotoxin injections, and coordination with neurosurgery when needed.
Affects
One side of face
Treatment
Neurotoxin injections
Frequency
3–4 months
Hemifacial Spasm
Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder that causes spasms from injury, damage, or compression of the facial nerve. These spasms often affect only one-half of the face, although patients can have blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm as well.
Hemifacial spasms often persist during sleep, unlike blepharospasm. It is important to rule out a tumor or abnormal vessel pressing on the facial nerve, which is often done with MRI imaging.
How It Works
If a tumor or abnormal vessel is present on imaging, a neurosurgeon will be consulted to discuss decompression surgery. Aberrant regeneration of the facial nerve from prior trauma or Bell's Palsy can also occur. If no identifiable cause is found, treatments may include neurotoxin injections, usually covered by insurance at about 3 to 4-month intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Natural · Refreshed · Rejuvenated