NINDS Hemifacial Spasm Information Page

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What is Hemifacial Spasm?

Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by frequent involuntary contractions (spasms) of the muscles on one side (hemi-) of the face (facial). The disorder occurs in both men and women, although it more frequently affects middle-aged or elderly women. The first symptom is usually an intermittent twitching of the eyelid muscle that can lead to forced closure of the eye. The spasm may then gradually spread to involve the muscles of the lower face, which may cause the mouth to be pulled to one side. Eventually the spasms involve all of the muscles on one side of the face almost continuously. The condition may be caused by a facial nerve injury, or a tumor, or it may have no apparent cause. Rarely, doctors see individuals with spasm on both sides of the face.  Most often hemifacial spasm is caused by a blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve at the place where it exits the brainstem.

Is there any treatment?

Surgical treatment in the form of microvascular decompression, which relieves pressure on the facial nerve, will relieve hemifacial spasm in many cases.  Other treatments include injections of botulinum toxin (commonly called Botox) into the affected areas and drug therapy with medications such as clonazepam, diazepam, and levodopa, which are used to relax the muscles.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for an individual with hemifacial spasm depends on the treatment and their response.  Some individuals will be relatively free from symptoms.  Some may require additional surgery.  Others may only be treatable with Botox or drugs and will have to live with a greater or lesser degree of facial spasms in their day to day life.

What research is being done?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research related to hemifacial spasm in its clinics and laboratories at The National Institutes of Health (NIH), and supports additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country.  Much of this research focuses on better ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure neurological disorders, such as hemifacial spasm. 

NIH Patient Recruitment for Hemifacial Spasm Clinical Trials

Organizations

Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation
637 North 7th Street Suite 102
P.O. Box 12468
Beaumont, TX   77726-2468
bebrf@blepharospasm.org
http://www.blepharospasm.org
Tel: 409-832-0788
Fax: 409-832-0890

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT   06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291



Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892



NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Last updated June 27, 2008