Facial nerve
What is hemifacial spasm?
Of the 12 nerves in the brain, the seventh, the facial nerve that controls the facial muscles, can be damaged by tension or compression, causing the muscles of the eye, lips and cheek to twitch or jump repeatedly; this is called hemifacial spasm. It can lead to facial spasm and facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy), so treatment in the early stage is most important. If the twitching continues for several weeks or more, hemifacial spasm should be suspected.
Causes of hemifacial spasm
Stress, overwork, anxiety, caffeine and magnesium deficiency are common causes of twitching under the eye and of the face. If such symptoms are left untreated, the facial nerve is damaged and repeated twitching eventually appears over all or part of the face, including the muscles around the eye and the corner of the mouth; in severe cases it can lead to facial paralysis and even loss of taste and hearing.
Symptoms of hemifacial spasm
Hemifacial spasm almost always appears as brief, irregular, repeated twitching on one side of the face.
It can last up to 5 minutes at a time and in severe cases may continue during sleep.
The spasms occur reflexively when the facial muscles move, or arise on their own.
It almost always starts around the eye and spreads across the same side of the face.
There is no pain or abnormal sensation. It occurs more often when you are tense or tired.
Treatment of hemifacial spasm
| Drug therapy | Botox treatment |
|---|---|
| Symptoms may ease temporarily, but they are likely to worsen. | Symptom relief can be expected for 3~4 months, but with repeated use receptor antibodies form and The period of symptom relief becomes shorter, and it is ineffective in severe cases. |
| Microvascular Decompression (MVD) |
|---|
| Microvascular Decompression (MVD) is a treatment in which a surgical sponge is placed between the compressed facial nerve and the cerebral vessel pressing on it, separating the nerve and the vessel. This is a neurosurgical treatment that addresses the cause of hemifacial spasm to achieve a complete cure, and it has been performed for hemifacial spasm and facial palsy for the past 30 years. |
What is Microvascular Decompression (MVD)?
Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a treatment in which a surgical sponge is placed between the compressed facial nerve and the cerebral vessel compressing it, separating the nerve from the vessel.
This is a neurosurgical treatment that addresses the underlying cause of hemifacial spasm to achieve a complete cure, and it has been performed for hemifacial spasm and facial palsy for the past 30 years.
Post-treatment precautions
- Treatment results and duration may vary depending on individual symptoms.
- Temporary side effects may occur after treatment and vary with each individual's condition.
