Hemifacial Spasm

Overview

Mayo Clinic specialists have experience and expertise in treating patients who have hemifacial spasm (HFS). Using medications, botox injections or surgery, Mayo Clinic is able to relieve symptoms in almost all patients with this disorder.

Diagnosis

Patients usually come to Mayo because of twitching around the eye that won't go away. Mayo doctors will typically take an MRI scan to investigate the cause of the problem.

Treatment Options

Medications, which must be taken daily, can allieviate spasms in some patients. Another treatment option is injection of botulinum toxin type A (Botox), which paralyzes the muscle. Microvascular decompression surgery can be a permanent cure for HFS. Learn more about treatment options.

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About Hemifacial Spasm

Hemifacial spasm is a disorder characterized by involuntary twitching and spasms of the muscles on one side of the face. The cause of HFS is not known but it may occur when a blood vessel makes contact with a facial nerve, irritating the nerve, which causes twitching in the face. An early symptom is usually a twitching around one eye, which over time can spread to all of the muscles on the affected side of the face. The disorder usually affects only one side of the face. Symptoms can increase with stress, emotions, fatigue, bright lights, watching TV and reading. HFS usually occurs in middle-aged men and women.