What Is Hemifacial Spasm?

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr K Suresh , Neurologists

Hemifacial spasm is a neurological condition characterised by involuntary contractions of the facial muscles, typically affecting one side of the face. It originates from irritation or compression of the facial nerve.

Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent worsening symptoms and improve quality of life.

What are the Hemifacial Spasm Symptoms and Warning Signs?

Recognise the early signs to ensure timely diagnosis and intervention.

Common Symptoms of Hemifacial Spasm

Intermittent eye twitching or blinking
Mild involuntary movements around the cheek or mouth
Muscle spasms that increase with stress or fatigue

Severe Symptoms of Hemifacial Spasm

Persistent, uncontrollable facial contractions
Difficulty in controlling facial expressions
Visible, repetitive twitching spreading across one side of the face

If twitching becomes frequent, persistent, or starts spreading beyond the eye area, consult a neurologist promptly for evaluation.

What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Hemifacial Spasm?

Understand what contributes to the condition and who may be at risk.

Hemifacial Spasm Causes

Vascular compression of the facial nerve
Brainstem tumors or structural lesions
Idiopathic (unknown cause) after excluding other possibilities

Hemifacial Spasm Risk Factors

Age (typically middle-aged and older adults)
Gender (more common in women)
History of facial nerve trauma or inflammation

If you notice ongoing twitching or facial spasms, especially with a family history of neurological issues, seek a specialist's opinion.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

How is Hemifacial Spasm Diagnosed?

Identify the tools used to confirm the condition and Medicover's approach.

Diagnostic Methods

Clinical Examination: Evaluates muscle behavior and nerve function.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Detects vascular compression or abnormalities, such as tumours.

At Medicover, our neurology department uses advanced imaging and neuromuscular assessments to ensure accurate diagnosis and rule out serious conditions.

What are the Treatment Options for Hemifacial Spasms?

Offer insights into effective treatments and Medicover's patient-centered approach.

Treatment Modalities

Botulinum Toxin Injections: Temporarily weaken affected muscles to stop spasms. Injections are repeated every 3-6 months.
Microvascular Decompression Surgery: A surgical option to relieve nerve pressure in severe cases.
Pharmacological Therapy: Anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants may offer relief in mild cases.
Complementary Therapies: Acupuncture and biofeedback are considered by some patients, though evidence is limited.

Medicover's Approach

Our multidisciplinary teams customize treatment based on patient needs, using a blend of neurological care, surgery, and therapeutic support.

When to See a Doctor?

Guide patients on when to seek medical advice.

If eye twitching becomes persistent or spreads to other facial muscles
If symptoms interfere with daily tasks or cause emotional distress
High-risk groups like older adults and individuals with prior facial trauma should seek early evaluation

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Consult Hemifacial Spasm Doctors Today

What is the Recovery Process After Hemifacial Spasm Treatment?

Help patients understand post-treatment expectations.

Follow-up Care: Regular check-ups every 3-6 months for injection treatments or post-surgery reviews
Lifestyle Advice: Stress reduction, adequate sleep, and avoiding fatigue may reduce symptom severity
Long-Term Outlook: With proper treatment, many patients experience significant improvement or even complete relief

What Precautions Can Help Prevent Hemifacial Spasms?

Educate on preventive care and potential complications.

Prevention of Hemifacial Spasm

Stress management techniques
Regular neurological evaluations in case of subtle symptoms

Complications of Hemifacial Spasm

Worsening spasms if untreated
Potential social or psychological distress due to visible facial movements

Our Experience Treating Hemifacial Spasm

At Medicover, we understand the disruptive impact of hemifacial spasms. Our neurology specialist and neurosurgery teams are dedicated to providing personalised care through advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments, helping patients regain facial control and confidence.

Find Our Specialists

Book Doctor Appointment

Name*

Mobile Number*

I agree to the Medicover Privacy Policy

International Patient Services

Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!

040-68334455

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. With proper treatment such as botulinum toxin injections or microvascular decompression surgery, many patients experience long-term relief or complete resolution.

Yes, emotional stress, fatigue, or anxiety can aggravate the frequency and intensity of spasms, making relaxation techniques helpful in symptom control.

It's usually not painful, but the involuntary twitching can be uncomfortable and may affect confidence and social interactions over time.

Hemifacial spasm typically impacts only one side of the face; bilateral cases are extremely rare and often suggest a different neurological issue.

Improvements are often noticed within a few days after the injection, with peak effect usually reached in about a week and lasting several months.

A neurologist manages hemifacial spasm, using clinical exams and imaging to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment options. Hospitals like Medicover offer such expertise.