Hemifacial spasm

Hemifacial spasm is an involuntary contraction (spasm) of the muscles on one side of the face. This chronic constricting condition can become almost permanent over time and evolve into a disabling disfigurement and social embarrassment. Learn more about the condition, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available.

 
There are several treatment options to help patients suffering from hemifacial spasm:

  • Botulinum toxin Type A injections: administered by a specialist (neurologist, ophthalmologist or ENT specialist) into the orbicularis oculi muscle (the elliptical muscle around the eye and eyebrows), and possibly also into the muscles in the lower part of the face. The botulinum neurotoxin blocks the nerve signal to the muscle and helps to reduce the muscle contractions. The effects of the treatment last around 13 months, and the injections can be repeated indefinitely.
  • Surgery: may be offered as an alternative to botulin toxin injections, especially when the hemifacial spasm occurs following injury. For young patients, surgery is often the best treatment option in this case.
  • Drug treatments: a variety of oral medications are used to treat hemifacial spasm, such as anti-epileptic, cholinolytic and sedative medications. Facial nerve alcoholization is also used, but with relative efficacy.

Generally appears between the ages of 50 and 70

More common in women

Brain MRI to aid diagnosis

Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm causes involuntary contractions of the muscles of the eyelids. The disorder can also lead to uncontrollable blinking and in some cases sufferers may be unable to open their eyes, which reduces their ability to carry out everyday activities. Learn more about the condition, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available.

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is the term used to describe various movement disorders caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, birth or in infancy. Sufferers may also have cognitive impairment, delayed mental development and pain that have serious negative consequences for their quality of life and independence. Learn more about the condition, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available.

Cervical dystonia

Cervical dystonia, also referred to as spasmodic torticollis, is a condition with intermittent or continuous painful spasms of the muscles of the neck – and sometimes the shoulder – that cause an abnormal posture of the head. This neurological movement disorder gets gradually worse and the symptoms can also include jerking movements of the head, neck pain, and a raised shoulder. Learn more about this condition, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available.

Equinus deformity

Equinus or spastic equinovarus is a foot deformity that most commonly occurs secondary to cerebral stroke (CVA) or cerebral palsy, but may also be a congenital deformity. The pathology causes gait abnormality in patients and is a very real handicap when it comes to mobility. Learn more about the condition, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available.

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis, or hyper perspiration, is excessive sweating beyond what is needed to regulate body temperature. The areas generally affected by the condition are the armpits, hands, feet and face, but hyperhidrosis may also spread to the entire body. Learn more about the condition, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available.

Spasticity

A number of pathologies can be responsible for spasticity, including cerebral stroke (CAV), head trauma, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and others. Constantly contracted, the spastic limbs loose flexibility, causing pain and mobility problems for sufferers. Ipsen has a long history of developing treatment for spasticity. Learn the characteristics and causes of the condition, methods of diagnosis and the various treatment options available.
Last update 13/04/2017