Hemifacial Spasm

Hemifacial Spasm

HFS is a condition characterized by repetitive spasm (contraction) of the muscles on one side of the face. This results in frequent blinking or closure of the eye, contraction of the cheek, and pulling up of one corner of the mouth. Aside from being of aesthetic concern to the patient, the frequent spasms can interfere with daily functions and overall quality of life. The condition can be due to something (like a blood vessel) pressing on the seventh (VII) cranial nerve or it can be idiopathic (no cause is found). An MRI or a CT should always be done to rule out a structural problem when someone first begins having these signs and symptoms. When a structural cause is found, a patient may be a candidate for surgery to decompress the nerve. When no cause is found and the patient is symptomatic, the treatment of choice is low-dose botulinum injection(s) into targeted area(s) of the face. This treatment is most often covered by insurance and is performed in the office. There is minimal discomfort, no downtime, and results typically last 3-5 months.

Board-certified ophthalmologist, fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon Katherine J. Zamecki-Vedder, MD, FACS is experienced in the treatment of patients with HFS and has intimate knowledge of facial muscle anatomy, which helps her in designing a customized treatment plan for each patient. Please visit the National Institute of Health website for more information on HFS: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/hemifacial-spasm.