Hemifacial Spasm (Meige's Syndrome) |
| Hemifacial spasms are characterized by chronic twitching or spasms of one side of the face. It affects muscles activated by the facial nerve. Hemifacial spasm can result from stimulation by a blood vessel lying too close to the nerve or may follow Bell's palsy (an inflammation of the facial nerve resulting in temporary facial weakness) due to incorrect regeneration of the facial nerve. |
|
| In more severe cases, the spasms may cause the mouth to become clamped shut. This can make speaking, eating, and swallowing difficult. |
|
| Meige's Syndrome is a similar disorder affecting the long facial muscles and neck muscles in addition to the muscles around the eyes. |
|
| Are There Different Forms of Blepharospasm? |
|
| Yes, blepharospasms are classified by their severity and the extent of the face that is affected. The basic classifications of blepharospasms are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
| What is the Treatment for Hemifacial Spasms? |
|
| There are three accepted treatments for hemifacial spasms. They are the neurological approach, the surgical approach, and the use of Botulinum toxin injections. |
|
| Neurological Approach: |
|
| In mild cases, doctors may prescribe medications or recommend biofeedback training. The medical approach to treatment has been limited primarily to drug therapy. Limited success has been reported in controlling
hemifacial spasms through the use of diazepam, levodopa, methyldopa, lithium, clonopine, lioresal, and tetrabenazine. Unfortunately, these treatments are not always successful. |
|
| Surgical Approach: |
|
| Surgical approaches to the treatment of hemifacial spasm are dictated by the severity of the symptoms and the suspected cause. When the symptoms are severe and the cause is suspected to be related to a blood
vessel impinging upon the facial nerve, the surgeon will attempt to adjust the position of the blood vessel and the nerve. This procedure is performed following consultation with a neurosurgeon. |
|
| Botulinum Toxin Injections: |
|
| Physicians have reported good results with Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. The toxin is produced by the same bacteria responsible for a type of food poisoning called botulism. However, when very small amounts of the Botulinum toxin are injected into the eyelid muscles, it is quite safe and very effective in stopping eyelid spasm for up to several months. |
|
| The effectiveness of the treatment is temporary; therefore, periodic injections are required for control of hemifacial spasms. Botox injections are now the treatment of choice for blepharospasm and some types of hemifacial spasms. |
|
| As with almost any medical procedure, there can be side effects of Botulinum toxin injections. Some people may develop a drooping eyelid, double vision, or dryness of the eye. Fortunately, these side effects wear off with time. |
