Definition
Hemifacial spasm (HS) causes muscles to contract on one side of the face. A person cannot control the spasm.
Causes
HS does not always have a cause. It may be due to:
- A blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve
- Facial nerve injury
- Tumor
| Muscles of the Face |
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Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Twitching of the eyelid muscle that causes the eye to close
- A mouth that is pulled to one side
- Spasms of all the muscles on one side of the face
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the face.
Images of the head may be taken. This can be done with:
Nerve and muscle function may be tested. This can be done with electromyography (EMG).
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to ease pressure on the nerve. This can be done with:
- Injections of botulinum toxin to temporarily stop spasms
- Antiseizure medicine
Some people may need surgery to reposition a blood vessel that is pressing on a nerve.
RESOURCES
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov
National Organization for Rare Disorders http://www.rarediseases.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Movement Disorder Group http://www.cmdg.org
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Chaudhry N, Srivrastava A, et al. Hemifacial spasm: the past, present, and future. J Neurol Sci. 2015;356(1-2):27-31.
Hemifacial spasm information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/all-disorders/hemifacial-spasm-information-page. Accessed October 14, 2020.
OnabotulinumtoxinA. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/drug-monograph/onabotulinumtoxina . Accessed October 14, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 06/04/2021