Hemifacial Spasm
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What is Hemifacial Spasm?Is there any treatment?What is the prognosis?What research is being done?OrganizationsWhat is Hemifacial Spasm?
Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by frequent involuntary contractions of the muscles on one side
of the face. 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. Very commonly, hemifacial spasm is caused by a blood
vessel pressing on the facial nerve.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment of hemifacial spasm frequently consists of injecting botulinum toxin (commonly called Botox) into the affected muscles.
Surgery may be used for some cases.
What is the prognosis?
Untreated cases of hemifacial spasm generally do not have dire consequences. Prognosis for treated cases varies from patient
to patient.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research on neuromuscular disorders such as hemifacial spasm. The goals of this research are to find ways
to prevent, treat, and cure these disorders.
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
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.
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Last updated February 13, 2007
