Facial twitch

[Lynne]

I was diagnosed with hemifacial twitch two years ago after an MRI.  My Neurologist in South Africa suggested various drugs, but none were effective.  In desperation I tried botulinium toxin (botox) injections with wonderful relief.  These injections were repeated five months later.  However, as this is a deadly poison, I am loath to continue.   I have attended a chiropractor and acupuncturist with no relief. I now reside in Sydney, Australia and wonder if there is a Neurologist or Unit here specialising in this problem and if there have been any recent developments in this field.

[al]

I discovered this site today. I hope the copied article form another forum helps you.

Tuesday, August 15, 2000 - 04:34 PM ET

  
KDKA  
(KDKA) Thanks to a local surgeon's breakthrough procedure, relief may soon be in sight for the 1,000 patients diagnosed each year with Hemi-facial Spasms (HFS).

Hemi-Facial Spasms, which cause involuntary facial twitches, are the result of a disturbance in the normal function of the nerve that carries movement from the brain to the face.

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"It's not just cosmetic. People stay home, they just don't go out... It usually starts in the eye and gradually works its way down the face."
-- Dr. Peter Jannetta, Neurosurgeon

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Sufferers like Sondra Garcia say the condition can make life intolerable. "It's pure hell, it really is," says Garcia. "It takes away your whole self - all your self-esteem."

But thanks to a technique developed by Allegheny General Hospital neurosurgeon, Dr. Peter Jannetta, Garcia is no longer plagued by the incessant spasms.

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" I never dreamed I would have this -- this quality of life back so soon"
-- Sondra Garcia, Facial Nerve Disease Patient

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Dr. Jannetta's procedure, called "Microvascular Decompression," is helping HFS patients find relief. "This about as successful as any procedure in neurosurgery," says Jannetta, "about 80-percent stay well forever."

During the procedure, the neurosurgeon makes a tiny incision behind the patient's ear. Using a microscope, the doctor can usually locate the blood vessel that's pushing against the facial nerve. By carefully separating the blood vessel from the nerve and inserting a Teflon pad to keep them apart, the condition is corrected.

Following the surgery, patients are released from the hospital within 2 to 3 days.

"I never dreamed I would have this - this quality of life back so soon," testifies Garcia who underwent the procedure last Wednesday.

In addition to providing relief to HFS sufferers, Dr. Jannetta says the surgery can also help relief the intense pain caused by Tri-Geminal Neuralgia.

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Additional Resources


Hemifacial Spasm Information, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Circle of Friends: Hemifacial Spasm Support Group

Hemifacial Spasm (HFS), Center for Cranial Nerve Disorders and Microvascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh's Department of Neurological Surgery


Trigeminal Neuralgia Association

Trigeminal Neuralgia Association Support Groups

Trigeminal Neuralgia, Center for Cranial Nerve Disorders and Microvascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh's Department of Neurological Surgery


Center for Cranial Nerve Disorders and Microvascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh's Department of Neurological Surgery

"Botox Injections May Hinder Future Surgical Treatment for Hemifacial Spasms According to Pitt Study," UPMC Health System - 6/12/00

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Lynn:

Sorry to hear about your facial twitch.  Botox is very effective in giving relief from dystonias, muscle movement disorders, and even migraine and tension headaches.  Many people have benefited from its use and it sounds like you have also.  It has been used for years, but the long term use (many years or decades) side effects is currently not known.  Since it is reversible, that is it wears off, is good and once problems develop one just may cease it's use.  One needs to figure out what is causing the muscle problems and begin to treat the underlying cause.  My only suggestion is to figure out the etiology if possible and begin to treat this problem.  Sorry, I do not individual neurologist in your part of the world.  But, I would imagine any neurologist at a major medical institutation would be a good place to start.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD