Hemi-facial Spasm
Symptoms
A twitching of the eyelid, extending down one side of the face through the cheeks and mouth.About this Condition
Hemi-facial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by involuntary twitching of one side of the face. The spasms are not painful but the disorder can cause anxiety and self-consciousness, discomfort, and vision problems due to forced eye closure. The spasms generally start around the eye and present as a twitching of the eyelid. Over time, the spasms become more frequent and begin to extend down the face through the cheeks and mouth. Spasms come without warning and are often brought on or worsened by stress, fatigue or speaking.
Hemi-facial spasms occurs when a blood vessel contacts and compresses the facial nerve root. The vessel irritates the nerve root resulting in hyperactivity of the facial nerve, which in turn causes the uncontrollable twitching or spasms. This neurovascular or microvascular compression can be a result of facial injury, a tumor, or it may have no apparent cause.
This content is for your general education only. See your doctor for a professional diagnosis and to discuss an appropriate treatment plan.
Conservative Treatments
Medications for Hemi-facial Spasm
Most people with epilepsy can become seizure-free by using a single anti-epileptic drug. Others can decrease the frequency and intensity of their seizures. More than half the children with medication-controlled epilepsy can eventually stop medications and live a seizure-free life. Many adults also can discontinue medication after two or more years without seizures.
Finding the right medication and dosage can be complex. Your doctor likely will first prescribe a single drug at a relatively low dosage and may increase the dosage gradually until your seizures are well controlled.
All anti-seizure medications have some side effects. Mild side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Loss of bone density
- Skin rashes
- Loss of coordination
- Speech problems
More severe but rare side effects include:
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Severe rash
- Inflammation of certain organs, such as your pancreas or liver
To achieve the best seizure control possible with medication:
- Take medications exactly as prescribed.
- Always call your doctor before switching to a generic version of your medication or taking other prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs or herbal remedies.
- Never stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you notice new or increased feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts or unusual changes in your mood or behaviors.
At least half of all people newly diagnosed with epilepsy will become seizure-free with their first medication. If anti-epileptic medications don't provide satisfactory results, your doctor may suggest surgery or other therapies.
Surgery
Microvascular Decompression
Microvascular decompression involves separating the nerve root and blood vessels with a small Teflon pattie so they are no longer in contact.
During the surgery, your doctor makes an incision behind the ear on the side of your pain to access your facial nerve. Any artery in contact with the nerve root is directed away from the nerve, and the surgeon places a pad between the nerve and the artery.
Decompression can successfully eliminate or reduce symptoms most of the time, but they can recur in some people. While the surgery has a high success rate, it also carries risks. There are small chances of decreased hearing, facial weakness, facial numbness, double vision and even a stroke or death.
Read MorePlease keep in mind that all treatments and outcomes are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary. Complications, such as infection, blood loss, and bowel or bladder problems are some of the potential adverse risks of surgery. Please consult your physician for a complete list of indications, warnings, precautions, adverse events, clinical results and other important medical information.
