Patients with hemifacial spasm experience involuntary twitching on one side of the face. While it may not hurt, it can cause significant irritation and interfere with vision during normal activities.
AHN neurologists and neurosurgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hemifacial spasm and cranial nerve disorders. We have many treatment options to treat the spasms or eliminate the underlying cause.
Hemifacial spasm is a cranial nerve disorder that causes involuntary twitching or contractions of the facial muscles on one side of your face. Typically, the spasm starts near your eye and progresses down your face. The twitching is not painful, but it can interfere with your normal expression and vision. It can be caused by a blood vessel or tumor compressing the nerve or an injury to the facial nerve. In some cases, there’s no obvious underlying cause.
The experts at the AHN Neuroscience Institute perform pioneering treatments that provide relief from disorders like trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasms. Our multidisciplinary program focuses specifically on the treatment of cranial nerve disorders, providing you with comprehensive care that addresses your unique medical situation, pain, and psychological well-being.
An MRI scan may be ordered to rule out other conditions, such as a brain tumor, aneurysm, or arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that may be causing facial nerve compression. To rule out other conditions, your physician may recommend an electromyogram, which measures electrical activity in muscles at rest versus when they’re contracting. This is often accompanied by a nerve conduction velocity test, which measures how well and how fast your nerves send electric signals.
Our AHN neurosurgeons will work closely with you to determine the best treatment approach. Your plan may include:
Call (412) 359-6200 to schedule an appointment or learn more about hemifacial spasm.
