Hemifacial Spasm

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a neuromuscular disorder resulting in frequent uncontrollable muscular contractions of the face on one side. Sometimes confused with blepharospasm, HFS usually starts as uncontrollable twitching around the eye causing the eyelid to shut involuntarily. The spasm may then spread to the lower facial muscles, which does not generally occur with blepharospasm, and the patient's mouth may begin to pull to one side. Blepharospasm also tends to occur bilaterally. Benign essential blepharospasm can easily be confused with hemifacial spasm. The latter can be diagnosed through facial muscle EMG testing. Symptoms of HFS may increase with increased exposure to stress, emotional strain, fatigue, bright lights, televisions, computer monitors and reading. Hemifacial spasm occurs most frequently in middle-aged men and women.

Depending on the patient‘s specific diagnosis, possible treatment options could include endoscopic brain surgery, microvascular decompression, or traditional brain surgery approaches.

To learn more about hemifacial spasm and our treatment options, call (407) 303-7944 or contact us online.