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NINDS Hemifacial Spasm Information Page

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Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Hemifacial Spasm?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations

What is Hemifacial Spasm?
Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by frequent involuntary contractions of the muscles on one side of the face. The disorder occurs in both men and women, although it more frequently affects middle-aged or elderly women. The first symptom is usually an intermittent twitching of the eyelid muscle that can lead to forced closure of the eye. The spasm may then gradually spread to involve the muscles of the lower face, which may cause the mouth to be pulled to one side. Eventually the spasms involve all of the muscles on one side of the face almost continuously. The condition may be caused by a facial nerve injury or a tumor, or it may have no apparent cause. Very commonly, hemifacial spasm is caused by a blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve.

Is there any treatment?

Treatment of hemifacial spasm frequently consists of injecting botulinum toxin (commonly called Botox) into the affected muscles. Surgery may be used for some cases.

What is the prognosis?

Untreated cases of hemifacial spasm generally do not have dire consequences. Prognosis for treated cases varies from patient to patient.

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports research on neuromuscular disorders such as hemifacial spasm. The goals of this research are to find ways to prevent, treat, and cure these disorders.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

Organizations

Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation
637 North 7th Street Suite 102
P.O. Box 12468
Beaumont, TX   77726-2468
bebrf@blepharospasm.org
http://www.blepharospasm.org
Tel: 409-832-0788
Fax: 409-832-0890

 National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT   06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291


Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892



NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

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Last updated February 13, 2007