Facial Twich driving my wife crazy

[SteveC22]

My wife developed a Facial Twitch a couple of years ago. This started with not much more than a Wink but has now extended to virtually the whole right side of her face. She was referred to a consultant who recommended 3 monthly Botox Injections.  She attended 3-4 times but felt that the injections took a week to have any effect, then only really lasted a month.  The injections are painful and when the consultant was asked for any other alternate treatment he said the only other choice was surgery which involves going in through the skull to locate the affected facial nerve as it is attached to the brain in order to treat it. My question really is in 2 parts: 1st: is it anyone elses' experience with Botox?  2nd: Is the surgery outlined the only alternative treatment.
P.S. My wife just hates needles so you can imagine her thoughts regarding surgery.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I'm not so sure but the surgery sounds rather complex and risky for this problem.  However, it depends in the confidence and expertise of the surgeon in order to pull that one through.  The irritability of the facial nerve may be come from stress, or can be anywhere along its course (the facial nerve runs from the brain, through the ear, then underneath the parotid gland in front of the ears).  I suggest you discuss with her doctor regarding checking the other structures that may be involved along its course.  You may also ask her doctor about drugs that can help the nerves such as vitamin B or gabapentin.

Regards and God bless.

[SteveC22]

Many thanks for your comments.  Will check out with consultant on next vist.
I agree, the surgery sounds really scary and dare I say, excessive???

Many thanks again.