Hemifacial spasm is a condition that is caused by irritation of your 7th cranial nerve, called the facial nerve. When this nerve becomes irritated, it can cause twitching on one side of your face, jaw or eye.
Symptoms of hemifacial spasm typically include:
- Eye twitching on one side of your face
- Facial spasm near your jaw or cheek
- Difficulty opening your eye due to spasm
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away to get an accurate diagnosis of your condition. That way you can get started on the best treatment for you.
Most often hemifacial spasm is caused by irritation of your facial nerve by a neighboring artery. The artery rubs against the nerve, causing the muscles in your face to go into a spasm. Irritation of your trigeminal nerve can also cause facial spasm with burning or electric-like sensations on one side of your face.
Irritation of your facial nerve can be caused by many different things. Sometimes, hemifacial spasm is caused by a tumor or cyst. A stroke or multiple sclerosis may also cause hemifacial spasm.
There are a limited number of treatment options for hemifacial spasm. Your doctor may start you on a course of anti-spasmodic medication or Botox injections to help treat your symptoms. If this fails to give you adequate relief, hemifacial spasm surgery may be required to help your condition.
Microvascular Decompression (MVD) Surgery
The gold standard for hemifacial spasm surgery is called a microvascular decompression, or MVD. During microvascular decompression surgery, your surgeon makes a small incision behind your ear, opens a quarter-sized window of bone, and then uses an operative microscope to locate your facial nerve and place a small Teflon pad between the nerve and its neighboring artery. This eliminates compression of your facial nerve, and when successful, relieves your symptoms.
When considering microvascular decompression surgery for medically refractory hemifacial spasm you must work closely with your doctor. Working with a neurosurgeon who is a top-rated professional can make this decision a simple one. Choosing the right hemifacial spasm intervention is important, but choosing the location to have your operation is equally important.
Where Should You Have Surgery?
Many patients facing hemifacial spasm surgery feel that traveling into large metropolitan areas like New York City is the best option. However, this is not always the best option. Hospitals in Northern NJ are well equipped to handle your surgery, and you may find that your overall experience is a pleasant one if you choose to stay local when having surgery.
Finding the best hospital for your surgery is an important step when dealing with this condition. Work closely with your neurosurgeon and be sure you understand the benefits of having surgery in NJ for your hemifacial spasm.
Benefits of Hemifacial Spasm Surgery in NJ
There are many benefits to staying in New Jersey to have your hemifacial spasm surgery. First, by staying local, you can reduce travel time and costs for you and your family. You can expect to be in the hospital for a few days when having surgery, and family members will likely be in and out during your recovery. By staying in NJ, you can be sure to have your family and friend support system right there with you with minimal hassle.
Having hemifacial spasm surgery in NJ means that you have the benefit of personalized care and attention. This means that your doctor, nurses and ancillary providers will get to know you. Your recovery period may be more pleasant in a regional hospital specializing in complex neurosurgery where one-on-one care is a priority.
One of the best ways to get the most benefit out of hemifacial spasm surgery in NJ is to work with a top-rated neurosurgeon who treats facial conditions.
Finding the Right Neurosurgeon
If you have hemifacial spasm, you owe it to yourself to find an NJ neurosurgeon who treats facial conditions. That way you can be confident that your procedure will go well and you can focus on your recovery.
To find the best neurosurgeon for your hemifacial spasm surgery, you should do various things, including:
- Asking family and friends for a referral
- Asking your doctor for a trusted neurosurgeon who treats facial conditions
- Search the internet for top-rated neurosurgeons
When looking for an NJ neurosurgeon for your hemifacial spasm surgery, be sure he or she treats you with respect and kindness. Your doctor should take the time to answer your questions and explain to you the benefits and risks associated with hemifacial spasm surgery.
Dealing with hemifacial spasm can be a difficult thing to do. If your doctor recommends surgery for your condition, there are many benefits to having your surgery in a NJ hospital, and you should consider staying local for your procedure. That way, you can focus on your recovery from surgery and quickly get back to your normal active lifestyle.
