Managing psychological stress and emotional strain can have a positive effect on the patient's general condition. The aim of treatment is to reduce the intensity and frequency of the spasms and to ease the functional and aesthetic discomfort.
Hemifacial spasm is usually characterised by repeated, involuntary muscle contractions (spasms) on one side of the face. The condition normally begins slowly, and over time the spasms can cause problems in everyday activities.
The treatment plan first of all involves clinical and laboratory diagnosis, including a neurological examination and possibly imaging, to investigate the neuroanatomical causes of the spasm.
The initial approach is monitoring and symptomatic treatment: botulinum toxin injections. These injections help to reduce the frequency and intensity of the spasms considerably. In most cases this method plays a long-lasting and practical role.
If botulinum toxin therapy does not help to reduce the symptoms, or if the patient develops side effects, surgical options may be considered: procedures that free the nerve from pressure, such as microvascular decompression.
Managing psychological stress and emotional strain can have a positive effect on the patient's general condition. The aim of treatment is to reduce the intensity and frequency of the spasms and to ease the functional and aesthetic discomfort.