Hemifacial spasm is a rare condition that affects approximately eight out of 100,000 people. The condition can be quite annoying to sufferers and can even cause significant disability or functional loss.
Symptoms of hemifacial spasm may include:
- Twitching in the jaw, eye or cheek area
- Tight feelings on one side of the face
Hemifacial spasm is caused by irritation of the 7th cranial nerve, called the facial nerve. This nerve sends signals to various muscles in your face to make them move.
When this nerve becomes irritated or injured, spasm may result. Sometimes, trigeminal neuralgia, or irritation of the 5th cranial nerve can also cause muscle spasms in your jaw. When hemifacial spasm strikes, you should visit your doctor right away.
Treatment for hemifacial spasm includes:
- Antispasmodic medication
- Botox injections
- Microvascular decompression surgery
By finding the right NJ neurosurgeon, you can be sure to get an accurate diagnosis and the proper treatment for your condition. Your surgeon can give you details about surgery and help you decide if a surgical procedure would yield the best outcome for your hemifacial spasm.
Hemifacial spasm surgery: A closer look
If your neurosurgeon recommends surgery for your hemifacial spasm, it helps to understand the procedure and associated benefits that go along with it. The definitive surgery is a called a microvascular decompression (MVD). This type of surgery is used to get pressure off of your facial nerve to relieve your hemifacial spasms.
Microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm takes place in an NJ hospital. You will be placed under general anesthesia, and your doctor will make a small incision behind your ear. A tiny portion of your skull will be carefully removed, and your doctor will then locate your facial nerve.
Specialized instruments will be used to place a small pad between your facial nerve and its neighboring blood vessel. This Teflon pad decompresses the nerve, helping to relieve your pain and spasm. After the surgery, your incisions will be closed and you will be brought to the recovery area. You should expect to remain in the hospital for one to two days following MVD surgery.
Microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm is often quite successful in a select group of patients, with most patients making a full return to normal, spasm-free activity a few weeks after the procedure.
Find a Top Neurosurgeon in NJ: Narrowing the field
When considering surgery for hemifacial spasm, it helps to have the best NJ neurosurgeon to perform the procedure. To do so, you need to do a little homework and legwork. The best ways to narrow your search to find the right doctor for your surgery include:
- Searching the internet for positive (or negative) reviews of New Jersey neurosurgeons
- Asking your family physician for a referral to a trusted professional
- Asking family members and friends about their experience with neurosurgeons in New Jersey
Finding the best neurosurgeon for you may take a little time, but you want to be comfortable with the doctor who performs your brain surgery. There are doctors who can do the surgery, but you should work to find the best surgeon for you — one who has specific qualifications and qualities that can help you feel at ease about surgery.
Must-have qualifications of top neurosurgeons
The best neurosurgeon to treat your hemifacial symptoms is one that works with you in a therapeutic alliance to get you the best possible outcome. Top-rated NJ neurosurgeons share some qualities that make them the best.
Takes time to listen
Your neurosurgeon should take the time to listen to your concerns and should answer your questions. When you visit your surgeon, you shouldn’t feel rushed; you should feel like all of your questions are answered and you are fully prepared to proceed with treatment for your spasm.
Has experience treating hemifacial spasm
There are many neurosurgeons in New Jersey, but few are experts in the surgical treatment of hemifacial spasm and other facial disorders. Ask your neurosurgeon if he or she has performed microvascular decompression before. Working with a surgeon who treats facial disorders can make a positive impact on your outcome.
Offers you alternatives
If you feel rushed or pressured into surgery, it may be a sign to find a different surgeon. Your neurosurgeon should explain to you how surgery can help you, but he should also offer you alternatives to surgery. He should take the time to explain the risks and benefits of microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm, and he should offer you pre-operative counseling before you have surgery.
Gains your trust
Most importantly, the right surgeon for you is one that gains your trust by treating you with respect and dignity. Your surgeon should also understand how your hemifacial spasm is affecting your life. You should trust that your surgeon is working in your best interests to treat your condition.
If you have hemifacial spasm, it pays to learn as much as you can about treatments for your condition. By finding the best NJ neurosurgeon to perform your microvascular decompression surgery, you can maximize your outcome and have a positive surgical experience.
