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Hemifacial spasm refers to unilateral painless, synchronous contractions of facial muscles due to dysfunction of the 7th cranial (facial) nerve, and/or its motor nucleus. Hemifacial spasm results from nerve compression by a pulsating blood vessel, similar to that in trigeminal neuralgia.

Diagnosis is clinical. Focal seizures, blepharospasm, and tics cause similar symptoms and should be considered.

Treatment is similar to that of trigeminal neuralgia except botulinum toxin ( botulinum toxin type A Some Trade Names
BOTOX COSMETIC
BOTOX

or botulinum toxin type B Some Trade Names
MYOBLOC

) can also be used effectively.

Last full review/revision October 2007 by Michael Jacewicz, MD

Content last modified March 2008