Hemifacial spasm is a neurological system disorder where the muscles of one side of your face twitch without warning. This can be caused because of a blood vessel touching the facial nerve or due to a tumor or facial nerve trauma. This condition is also known as the seventh cranial nerve. Facial spasms happen when the facial tissues contract involuntarily due to the nerve irritation.
What causes hemifacial spasms?
It is often caused due to an injury to the facial nerve. This nerve controls the muscles/tissues of the face. Sometimes there is no identifiable cause of it. But when this happens the nerve may act on its own by sending signals that cause the muscles to twitch. This condition is known as ephaptic transmission, and it’s said to be the main cause of spasms.
As per the doctors, any injury caused to the head or the face also leads to hemifacial spasms, as they damage or compress the facial nerve.
Other more uncommon causes of hemifacial spasms can include:
1) A benign tumor or lesion pressing on the nerve
2) Abnormal clusters of blood vessels at birth
3) Nerve injury
4) Side effects from an episode of Bell’s palsy condition.
In the case of hereditary hemifacial spasm, the causes aren’t common. In some cases, hemifacial spasm is said to be the 1st symptom of multiple sclerosis or MS. When a person has MS, his immune system hits the central nervous system resulting in a wide variety of symptoms.
How can I treat hemifacial spasms?
Treatment for hemifacial spasm may include:
1) Botulinum injections: A neurosurgeon may inject Botox into the affected area, it temporary paralyzes the muscle. You need to continue this for a few months.
2) Other medications: Anticonvulsant drugs may relieve hemifacial spasm in some people.
3) Microvascular decompression surgery: In this, the surgeon opens your skull, and the covering of the brain called as a dura. They expose the facial nerve as it leaves the brainstem.