Care You Can Trust for Hemifacial Spasms
When one side of your face twitches or tightens without warning, even simple moments like reading, driving or talking can become frustrating. At AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute, our specialists diagnose the cause of hemifacial spasm and create personalized treatment plans that can help reduce symptoms and restore your quality of life. Our whole-person approach supports your body, mind and spirit throughout your care.
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Advanced expertise for rare facial nerve conditions
Our neuroscience specialists diagnose and treat hemifacial spasm using advanced imaging, nerve testing and individualized treatment planning.
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More treatment options in one place
From medication and Botox® injections to microvascular decompression surgery, your care plan is built around your symptoms, lifestyle and long-term goals.
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Connected neuroscience care
Neurologists, neurosurgeons and advanced imaging specialists work together to help you find answers and recommend the treatment that's right for you.
Conditions We Treat
- Hemifacial Spasm
- Facial Twitching
- Facial Nerve Compression
What to Know About Hemifacial Spasms
Understanding what's causing your facial twitching is the first step toward finding relief. Learn what hemifacial spasm is, what symptoms to watch for and how specialists diagnose the condition.
- What is hemifacial spasm?
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Hemifacial spasm is a neurological condition that causes muscles on one side of the face to twitch without your control. It often begins with small movements around one eye before gradually affecting the cheek, mouth and other facial muscles.
- Usually affects one side of the face
- Often begins around the eye
- May become more noticeable over time
- Can interfere with daily activities
- What causes hemifacial spasm?
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Most hemifacial spasms happen when a blood vessel presses against the facial nerve. Less commonly, symptoms may be linked to another neurological condition or injury affecting the nerve.
- Blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve
- Previous facial nerve injury
- Rare tumors or vascular abnormalities
- Other neurological conditions
- How is hemifacial spasm diagnosed?
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Your specialist begins with a neurological examination and a discussion about your symptoms. Imaging and nerve testing may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.
- MRI
- Angiography when appropriate
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Nerve conduction studies
Getting an accurate diagnosis helps your care team recommend the treatment most likely to provide lasting relief.
- Hemifacial Spasm Diagnosis
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We may use several tests to diagnose hemifacial spasm and determine why your facial nerve is compressed, including:
- Angiogram: This type of X-ray makes it easier to see blood vessels and vascular abnormalities with the aid of a special dye.
- Electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity studies: These tests measure nerve and muscle activity in the face.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI creates detailed images of your brain, which can help determine if you’ve had a stroke or have a brain tumor.
Hemifacial Spasm Treatments
Treatment depends on what's causing your symptoms and how much they affect your daily life. Many people improve with medication or Botox®, while others may benefit from surgery that addresses the underlying cause.
- Medication
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Medication may help reduce muscle spasms and make symptoms easier to manage, especially when they are mild or happen only occasionally.
- Anticonvulsant medications
- Muscle-relaxing medicines
- Non-surgical treatment option
- May reduce the frequency of spasms
- Botox injections
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Botox injections temporarily relax the muscles causing facial twitching. Many people experience noticeable relief that can last several months before another treatment is needed.
- Targets overactive facial muscles
- Can reduce twitching and muscle tightness
- Outpatient treatment
- Repeat treatments may be recommended
- Microvascular decompression surgery
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When a blood vessel is pressing on the facial nerve, microvascular decompression surgery may relieve that pressure and reduce or eliminate facial spasms. Your neurosurgeon will determine whether this procedure is appropriate for your condition.
- Addresses the underlying cause
- Designed for long-term symptom relief
- Recommended for selected patients
- Performed by experienced neurosurgeons
Request a Consultation With a Specialist
Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or were recently diagnosed, the compassionate neurological care you need is close to home. Request a visit with one of our experienced specialists to begin a personalized treatment plan that supports your whole health.
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Q:Question: What is hemifacial spasm?
A:Answer:Hemifacial spasm is involuntary twitching or tightening on one side of the face. It often starts around the eye and may spread to other facial muscles.
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Q:Question: What causes hemifacial spasm?
A:Answer:The most common cause is a blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve. Other causes can include aneurysm, AVM, fistula, tumor or Bell’s palsy.
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Q:Question: How is hemifacial spasm diagnosed?
A:Answer:The team may use MRI, angiogram, EMG and nerve conduction studies to look for the cause of the twitching.
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Q:Question: Can hemifacial spasm be treated without surgery?
A:Answer:Yes. Many people find relief with medication or Botox® injections before surgery is considered.
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Q:Question: When is surgery recommended?
A:Answer:If symptoms continue despite other treatments or a blood vessel is compressing the facial nerve, microvascular decompression surgery may be recommended.
Find the right care for facial twitching
Whether you need testing, medicine or surgery, AdventHealth’s Neuroscience Institute can help you understand what is causing your symptoms and what to do next.
