Hemifacial spasm is a rare but annoying neurological condition. Where the muscles on one side of the face contract uncontrollably.
It can be said that hemifacial spasm is a condition where the muscles on one side of the face spasm repeatedly. The condition generally starts with mild spasms in the muscles around the eyes or corners of the mouth. But over time it can worsen and extend to other areas of the face.
Hemifacial spasm is a disease that can cause serious impairment in a person's daily functioning and quality of life. For this reason, it needs to be treated by controlling or reducing these muscle spasms.
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The exact cause of hemifacial spasm is still not fully understood. However, the condition is generally associated with irritation or pressure on the facial nerve that controls facial muscle movement.
Some factors that can cause pressure on the facial nerve or hemifacial spasm are:
Blood vessels located close to the facial nerve can compress it, causing irritation and facial muscle spasms.
Tumors or lesions in the brain or facial nerve can cause pressure on the nerve, resulting in hemifacial spasm.
Head injuries or other physical trauma can cause damage to the facial nerve, physical trauma to the head causes muscles to spasm.
For example, a cerebral artery aneurysm causes pressure on the facial nerve and triggers hemifacial spasm.
Signs of hemifacial spasm usually start with mild spasms or convulsions in the muscles around the eyes or corners of the mouth on one side of the face. However, over time, the condition tends to worsen and may extend to other areas of the face. Some common symptoms of hemifacial spasm are:
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These contractions are uncontrollable and involuntary. They usually occur on one side of the face only. It often starts around the eyes and spreads towards the cheeks, mouth or chin.
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The next symptom is repetitive flickering of the eyelids. This is also something you have no control over.
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Some individuals with hemifacial spasm may experience uncomfortable sensations or pain in the affected area.
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Persistent spasms may impair vision on the affected side of the face.
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Hemifacial spasm can interfere with a person's ability to communicate, eat, or carry out other daily activities comfortably.
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In this disease, diagnosis is usually based on a history of symptoms and physical examination by a doctor at Neurosurgery Clinic. The doctor may also recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and understand the possibility of other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
The tests that may be performed to diagnose hemifacial spasm are as follows:
The doctor will collect the patient's full medical history. This includes a history of the symptoms experienced and any risk factors that may be associated.
Next, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination, focusing on checking the facial muscles and eye movements.
The next examination is neurological to assess the function of the facial nerve (nervus fascis) and determine if there are any signs of irritation or dysfunction in the nerve.
Some additional tests that a doctor may perform for hemifacial spasm are:
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI is used to examine the structure of the brain and facial nerve to find out if there are any tumors, lesions, or other abnormalities that may cause hemifacial spasm.
Electromyography (EMG): EMG is used to record the electrical activity of muscles and can help identify disorders or damage to the facial nerve.
Blood Vessel Compression Test: A special test may be performed to check if blood vessels near the facial nerve are compressing the nerve.
As the symptoms of hemifacial spasm can involve the eyelids and impair vision, an ophthalmologist may perform a special examination. This examination is to evaluate the possible impact of this condition on vision.
The goal of hemifacial spasm treatment is to reduce or control uncontrollable muscle spasm on one side of the face, as well as improve the patient's quality of life.
A variety of treatment options are available, and the best choice will vary depending on the cause, severity, and patient response to treatment. Some of the commonly used treatment options for managing hemifacial spasm include:
Anticonvulsants: Anticonvulsant medications such as carbamazepine, gabapentin, or phenytoin can help reduce muscle spasms and control symptoms of HFS by reducing nerve activity.
Baclofen: This is a medication that can help relax the affected muscles and reduce spasms.
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) medication: Injection of Botox directly into the affected muscle can help reduce muscle spasms by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters that cause muscle contraction. The effects of Botox injection usually last for a few months before needing to be repeated.
The therapist can design a customized exercise program to help reduce muscle spasms and improve flexibility and strength of the facial muscles. Physical therapy can also help patients learn relaxation techniques that can help control HFS symptoms.
This therapy is also known as nerve decompression surgery. A surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure or irritation on the affected facial nerve.
This may involve the release or removal of blood vessels that are pressing on the facial nerve. This includes removal of tumors or lesions that may be causing pressure on the nerve.
Ablation with radiosurgery: This method uses gamma rays or other radiation to damage or destroy a small section of the affected facial nerve, reducing nerve activity and controlling the symptoms of HFS;
Nerve Stimulators: Some studies have shown that electrical nerve stimulation can help reduce the symptoms of HFS in some patients who do not respond to other treatments.
You should see a doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. These include uncontrollable muscle contractions, repetitive blinking and visual disturbances.
There are many patients who have recovered due to treatment at Persada Hospital Malang. For example, with surgery, after doing various therapies for treatment.
The patient's treatment journey is not easy. Take Devi Oktavia's mother, for example, who has had this twitch for almost three years. She traveled around looking for the right treatment. But only recovered after treatment at Persada Hospital Malang.
Mrs. Devi Oktavia is one of the many patients who recovered after getting treatment at Persada Hospital Malang. You can also recover after getting the right treatment with doctors and advanced health facilities.
In addition, does insomnia affect hemifacial spasm, read the dangers of insomnia and how to overcome it here.
Hemifacial spasm is a disease that can be treated well if the diagnosis is correct and appropriate treatment is provided.
Speaking of hospital recommendations for professional medical procedures, you can visit Neurosurgery Clinic Persada Hospital Malang. For more information, contact us!
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