Hemifacial spasm

Hemifacial spasm or HFS is a neurological disorder in which blood vessels constrict the seventh cranial nerve and cause varying degrees of facial spasm, typically originating around the eye of the afflicted side of the face. Severe forms of HFS will contort an entire side of the face.

Treatment

Botulinum toxin or botox injections is typically the primary treatment modality.

Surgical treatment is a more permanent solution. Surgery for this particular type of disorder is called microvascular decompression. Entering through a small aperture cut behind the ear of the affected side, Teflon strips are placed between constricting blood vessels and the nerve, relieving pressure and freeing the nerve. A titanium plate then replaces the bone removed from the skull.

Risks of surgery

Hearing loss is the most common of side-effects, though remaining comparatively minimal (~2.5%). The hearing nerve (the eighth cranial nerve, vestibulocochlear) is next to the seventh cranial nerve and damage can lead to either permanent loss of hearing in one side or diminished hearing.

As a result of relieving pressure on the nerve, weakness along one side of the face is also a possibility.

References

• "Hemifacial Spasm Information Page". National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. October 11, 2011. Retrieved January 6, 2012.

External links

• Centre for Cranial Nerve Disorders.
• Hemifacial Spasm Association support site.