Hemifacial spasm

Overview

Hemifacial spasm is a neurological disorder that manifests as involuntary muscle spasms on one side of the face. In most cases, a blood vessel contacting or pulsating against a facial nerve is the cause of hemifacial spasm. However, tumors or injuries to the facial nerve also can potentially cause this condition.

While hemifacial spasm has no permanent cure, individuals often experience relief from symptoms through the use of medication, injections, or surgical interventions. You can also alleviate symptoms by ensuring you get ample rest and minimizing stress.

Symptoms

The initial symptom of hemifacial spasm is the intermittent eye twitching, which is generally not indicative of a health issue. These contractions are just movements of the muscles. In individuals with hemifacial spasm, eye twitching can advance to affect other areas of the face. It first occur intermittently, but over the course of months or years, they may become constant, especially during periods of stress or fatigue.

Hemifacial spasms can occasionally affect both sides of the face. But the twitching never occurs simultaneously on both sides of the face. Typical symptoms of hemifacial spasm involve involuntary muscle jerking primarily affecting the face.

• Not controllable
• No pain
• Restricted to one side of the face

Causes

Hemifacial spasm arises due to the compression of facial nerves. Typically, muscle twitches occur when a blood vessel compresses a facial nerve.

Other factors such as facial nerve injuries, or tumors can also contribute to its development. Hemifacial spasm may also be triggered by activities like moving facial muscles, experiencing anxiety, stress, or fatigue.

In some cases, the facial twitches have no apparent cause, leading to identifying the condition as idiopathic hemifacial spasm.