Hemifacial spasm

Hemifacial spasm is an involuntary contraction (spasm) of the muscles on one side of the face. This chronic constricting condition can become almost permanent over time and evolve into a disabling disfigurement and social embarrassment. Learn more about the condition, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available.

 
The diagnosis of hemifacial spasm is based on:

  • The patient’s medical history and medical examination by a general practitioner. The role of the doctor is to distinguish hemifacial spasm from other similar abnormalities, such as blepharospasm, facial ticks, myokimia (repeated involuntary contractions along the entire length of a muscle that create a quivering effect) or post-paralytic facial spasm.
  • An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain is often prescribed to give a detailed diagnosis. The MRI, together with an angio-MR (magnetic resonance angiogram) will also show any neuro-vascular conflict between the facial nerve and an artery in the brain, which occurs in 88% of patients. In this case, neurosurgery will be needed.

Generally appears between the ages of 50 and 70

More common in women

Brain MRI to aid diagnosis

Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm causes involuntary contractions of the muscles of the eyelids. The disorder can also lead to uncontrollable blinking and in some cases sufferers may be unable to open their eyes, which reduces their ability to carry out everyday activities. Learn more about the condition, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available.

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is the term used to describe various movement disorders caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, birth or in infancy. Sufferers may also have cognitive impairment, delayed mental development and pain that have serious negative consequences for their quality of life and independence. Learn more about the condition, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available.

Cervical dystonia

Cervical dystonia, also referred to as spasmodic torticollis, is a condition with intermittent or continuous painful spasms of the muscles of the neck – and sometimes the shoulder – that cause an abnormal posture of the head. This neurological movement disorder gets gradually worse and the symptoms can also include jerking movements of the head, neck pain, and a raised shoulder. Learn more about this condition, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available.

Equinus deformity

Equinus or spastic equinovarus is a foot deformity that most commonly occurs secondary to cerebral stroke (CVA) or cerebral palsy, but may also be a congenital deformity. The pathology causes gait abnormality in patients and is a very real handicap when it comes to mobility. Learn more about the condition, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available.

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis, or hyper perspiration, is excessive sweating beyond what is needed to regulate body temperature. The areas generally affected by the condition are the armpits, hands, feet and face, but hyperhidrosis may also spread to the entire body. Learn more about the condition, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available.

Spasticity

A number of pathologies can be responsible for spasticity, including cerebral stroke (CAV), head trauma, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and others. Constantly contracted, the spastic limbs loose flexibility, causing pain and mobility problems for sufferers. Ipsen has a long history of developing treatment for spasticity. Learn the characteristics and causes of the condition, methods of diagnosis and the various treatment options available.
Last update 13/04/2017