If you have hemifacial spasm, or muscle spasms on one side of your face, then you understand how your symptoms can affect all aspects of your life. Your spasm can disrupt your normal work and recreational activities. Facial spasm symptoms require that you visit your doctor right away to learn your diagnosis and the cause of your symptoms.
Your doctor may perform diagnostic studies to rule out a stroke or multiple sclerosis as a cause of your symptoms. He or she can also analyze your hemifacial spasm symptoms and help determine the best treatment for your condition.
What is Hemifacial Spasm?
Before treating your hemifacial spasm, you should learn all you can about the condition. What causes it and what can be done to treat it? Do certain treatments have specific benefits or risks, and which treatment is best for you?
Hemifacial spasm occurs when there is irritation of the 7th cranial nerve, called the facial nerve. Cranial nerves are located in your brain and brain stem and provide sensory and motor information to areas around your head and face. When the facial nerve becomes irritated, spasm and pain may result.
There are different conditions that may cause facial nerve irritation. Rarely, neurological conditions like a stroke or multiple sclerosis may cause hemifacial spasm. A brain tumor or cyst may compress your facial nerve causing your symptoms. Many times, the cause of your spasm is due to compression of your facial nerve from its neighboring artery or vein.
Your doctor can determine the cause of your hemifacial spasm and prescribe the correct treatment for you. Learning about the treatment options available for you can help you make the best decision for your condition.
Medication for Hemifacial Spasm
When first diagnosed, many patients use medication to help control their symptoms. Medicine for the condition typically includes Botox injections to the areas of the face that are most affected.
The benefit of using Botox is that the injections are relatively safe. Unfortunately, the benefits that are seen from early rounds of Botox injections often decrease over time.
Surgery for Hemifacial Spasm
Patients with hemifacial spasm who fail medical management typically benefit from surgery for their condition. The gold standard intervention for hemifacial spasm is microvascular decompression surgery.
Microvascular Decompression Surgery
The definitive treatment for hemifacial spasm is microvascular decompression. This procedure is done by your neurosurgeon who makes a small incision behind your ear.
A tiny portion of your skull is excised and your facial nerve is visualized. Then, a small Teflon pad is inserted between your facial and its neighboring artery, taking pressure off the nerve.
The main benefit of microvascular decompression surgery is that patients typically feel immediate post-operative benefit with 80-90 percent of patients feeling complete resolution of their symptoms.
Of course, the surgery is an open brain surgery, so it carries a small, but real percentage of potential risks. These should always be discussed with your experienced neurosurgeon prior to surgery.
After your surgery, you should expect to spend a two to three days in the hospital and slowly return to your previous level of activity. A neurosurgeon can help you weigh the risks and benefits of microvascular decompression surgery for your facial spasm.
Find a Top NJ Neurosurgeon for Hemifacial Spasm
Finding a top-rated NJ neurosurgeon is an important step when considering surgery for hemifacial spasm. Your doctor should be an expert in the fields of facial pain and conditions, and he or she should help you feel at ease about your decision to have surgery.
A good doctor will listen to your concerns about surgery and offer you alternatives to help you make an educated decision. He or she should ensure that you understand the risks and benefits associated with surgery and that you are prepared for surgery.
Most importantly, your neurosurgeon should feel like a trusted ally, working with you to help you maximize your outcome after surgery. If you are dealing with the life-altering symptoms of hemifacial spasm, you should take the time to learn about the different surgical procedures that are available to you.
Locating a top NJ neurosurgeon who you trust is an essential step in the surgical process. By working with a trusted neurosurgeon, you can maximize your chance of a speedy recovery and a return to your previous level of activity.
