What Is Hemifacial Spasm?
Jun 13, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zong Qiang
Introduction
Hemifacial spasm refers to recurrent, involuntary twitching of the facial muscles innervated by the facial nerve, typically affecting one side of the face—hence the alternative name “hemifacial spasm”; bilateral involvement is rare. Initially, it manifests as involuntary twitching beginning in the lower eyelid on one side, lasting from several seconds to several minutes, with normal appearance during interictal periods. As the condition progresses, the spasm may spread to involve the entire ipsilateral half of the face, and may even extend to the platysma muscle, causing head tremor.
Hemifacial spasm (HFS) refers to recurrent, involuntary twitching of the facial muscles innervated by the facial nerve. It typically affects only one side of the face—hence the alternative name “hemifacial spasm”—and bilateral involvement is rare.
Initially, the condition manifests as involuntary twitching starting in the lower eyelid on one side, lasting from several seconds to several minutes, with normal function during inter-spasm intervals. As the disease progresses, the spasms may spread to involve the entire affected half of the face, and even the platysma muscle, causing head tremor.
Spasms are often triggered or exacerbated by emotional stress or speaking. In severe cases, continuous, uninterrupted spasms occur, significantly impairing social interaction and cosmetic appearance. Visual function may also be compromised, thereby hindering daily activities such as work, study, reading, and driving.
Onset most commonly occurs after middle age; cases before age 30 are uncommon, females are slightly more affected than males, and pediatric cases are exceedingly rare.
