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Hemifacial Spasm

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FAQ About Hemifacial Spasm

  • Do Botox injections really work for hemifacial spasm?

    Temporarily, yes. An injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) causes a small, partial paralysis of the muscle and stops the spasm. The paralysis is temporary, so injections need to be repeated approximately every six months. See more about Diagnosing and Treating Hemifacial Spasm.

  • How is hemifacial spasm treated?

    Microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasmInjections of botulinum toxin (Botox) can provide temporary relief, but the permanent solution is usually microdecompression surgery. See more about Diagnosing and Treating Hemifacial Spasm.

  • What causes hemifacial spasm?

    Hemifacial spasm is caused by any one of a number of possible irritants to the seventh cranial nerve, but it’s most frequently caused by a small blood vessel (usually an artery) compressing the  facial nerve at the brainstem. Find out more about Hemifacial Spasm.

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Reviewed by: Jared Knopman, M.D.
Last reviewed/last updated: October 2017
Illustration by Thom Graves, CMI