Hemifacial spasm affects the muscles which are activated by the facial nerve. Usually, it starts with spasms or intermittent tics of the eye muscles. It may be so severe that the eye is forced to shut. These spasms may spread to the lower face muscles, it could result in the pulling of the mouth to one side. Spasms can eventually spread to all the muscles on one side of the neck and face.
Actually, these spasms are rare. It can be seen in about 8 men out of 100,000 and 15 women out of 100,000. Spasms occur more commonly on the left side of the face when compared to the right side.
Mostly such spasms occur in people who have crossed the age of 40. Multiple sclerosis is an underlying neurological disorder which can cause hemifacial spasm in the younger people.
It occurs more commonly in women when compared to men.
Causes
Damaged facial nerve can cause hemifacial spasms. The facial nerve carries signals to the facial muscles from the brain. The damage may occur because of a tumor or an injury or there may be no proper cause at all. Often such spasms are caused due to dislocated blood vessels which press on the facial nerve.
Treatment
- Injecting botulinum toxin into the muscles that are affected is one of the treatment options available. Most of the patients respond well to the Botox injections.
- However, if the condition is severe, it may need surgery. Surgery is recommended when the cause of the spasms is believed to be a blood vessel which presses on the facial nerve.
- This surgery involves reposition of the blood vessel far away from the nerve.
- Medications are also available for treatment. It can be used in mild cases. This treatment option is not successful 100 percent but can reduce the disease to a certain limit.
Diagnosis
Physical examination and a careful history are the first major steps in diagnosis. An electromyogram is ordered if this spasm is suspected.
