Hemifacial spasm 2071023 195647898 2008-03-03T21:42:29Z 221.191.183.222 '''Hemifacial spasm''' or '''HFS''' is a [[neurology|neurological]] disorder in which blood vessels constrict the seventh [[cranial nerves|cranial nerve]] and cause varying degrees of [[facial nerve|facial]] spasming, typically originating around the [[eye]] of the afflicted side of the face. Because the nerve directs muscular activities in a particular region, interference will create involuntary contractions. Severe forms of HFS will contort an entire side of the face. == Treatment == Botulinum toxin or [[botox]] injections, now familiar through cosmetic purposes, are a measure which can be taken to temporarily alleviate spasming. There is no evidence that botulinum toxin affects the outcome of later surgery. Surgical treatment is a more permanent solution. Surgery for this particular type of disorder is called [[microvascular decompression]] or MVD. Entering through a small aperture cut behind the ear of the affected side, [[Teflon]] strips are placed between constricting blood vessels and the nerve, relieving pressure and freeing the nerve. A [[titanium]] plate then replaces the bone removed from the skull. == Risks of surgery == [[Hearing (sense)|Hearing]] loss is the most common of side-effects, though remaining comparatively minimal (~2.5%). The highly fragile hearing nerve (the eighth cranial nerve, [[Vestibulocochlear nerve|vestibulocochlear]]) is situated next to the seventh cranial nerve and damage can lead to either permanent loss of hearing in one side or diminished hearing. As a result of relieving pressure on the nerve, weakness along one side of the face is also a possibility, termed [[Bell's palsy]]. [[Stroke]], [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]], or [[death]] constitute other possible mishaps; most, however, are related to the nature of [[surgery]] in general rather than the delicacy of this particular surgical treatment. ==External links== *[http://www.umanitoba.ca/cranial_nerves Centre for Cranial Nerve Disorders]. *[http://www.hfs-assn.org/ Hemifacial Spasm Association] support site. [[Category:Neurological disorders]] [[no:Hemifaciale spasmer]] [[ja:片側顔面痙攣]]