Hemifacial Spasm: Understanding Your Diagnosis

Occasional facial twitches around your eyelid or the corner of your mouth can be annoying. The good news is that they’re usually temporary and come and go due to stress, fatigue, or having two or three extra cups of coffee. 

However, if you have non-stop twitching, it could be a hemifacial spasm. This neurological disorder causes frequent and involuntary twitching in the muscles on one side of your face. It’s more than a tic; it’s a chronic condition that progressively gets worse. 

While you may not know how to tell them apart, Dr. Phillip Henkin, an experienced neurosurgeon at the NeuroSpine Center in Tampa, Florida, has dedicated his career to diagnosing and treating neurological conditions such as hemifacial spasms.

If you’ve just been diagnosed or suspect you’ve developed the condition, read on to learn more about what to expect and what treatment options are open to you.

What is a hemifacial spasm?

Specific nerves control the muscles in your face. When these nerves get irritated or compressed, they send signals that tighten the muscles even when they shouldn’t. What you feel or see in the mirror when this happens is a twitch.

A hemifacial spasm typically starts with a subtle twitch around the eye. As it worsens, it may spread to other parts of the face, like the cheek, mouth, or neck. 

The condition also affects only one side of the face, and while it isn’t usually painful, it can be uncomfortable. Over time, the spasms can become so frequent and noticeable that they make everyday activities like eating or talking difficult.

What are the symptoms of hemifacial spasm?

You may initially experience involuntary blinking that spreads to other areas of your face over time. You may also notice one side of your face droop because of the frequent spasms.

Some people experience irregular spasms, while others have more frequent twitches. Although stress doesn’t cause a hemifacial spasm, stress or fatigue can worsen the symptoms for many people.

How is hemifacial spasm diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing more than very occasional twitches, getting checked out by an expert is essential. To diagnose hemifacial spasms, Dr. Henkin carries out a physical spasm during which he’ll ask about your symptoms, including when they started, how they’ve progressed, and what makes them better or worse.

After the physical exam, Dr. Henkin may then recommend an MRI to check if there’s a blood vessel pressing on your facial nerve or if there’s another underlying cause. Other conditions, like Bell’s palsy, can cause similar symptoms, and only an experienced neurosurgeon can make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment options for hemifacial spasm

Once you’ve been diagnosed, treatment is the next step, and thankfully, there are many options. The right treatment for you will depend on how severe your symptoms are and what’s causing the spasms. 

Dr. Henkin will likely recommend medications, like anticonvulsants or muscle relaxants, to help control the spasms. However, if your spasms are caused by a blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve, he may recommend microvascular decompression surgery. 

It’s crucial to get any facial twitch checked out. Not only could it be a hemifacial spasm, but it could also be trigeminal neuralgia or some other severe neurological condition. Schedule an online consultation with Dr. Henkin at NeuroSpine Center or call 813-651-3300 for a precise diagnosis and expert treatment.