Hemifacial spasm. Results of unilateral myectomy.

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a disorder characterized by unilateral involuntary spasm of the muscles innervated by the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). The etiology is often a redundant or ectatic artery in the cerebellopontine angle that compresses the facial nerve. Neurosurgical decompression with implantation of a sponge between the ectatic artery and the facial nerve produces good results, but has a high complication rate and a poor patient acceptance rate. Various modes of peripheral neurectomy have also been advocated, but the recurrence rate is high and the preexisting functional and cosmetic eyelid deformities are exacerbated. The results of unilateral periorbital myectomy in 21 HFS patients are presented. Follow-up ranging from 1 to 7 years was available on 16 patients. Excellent or good results were obtained in 94% of these cases, and postoperative complications were minor. Transient lymphedema and forehead anesthesia are the most common complications. An unforseen benefit of periorbital myectomy surgery is the improvement or relief of lower facial contractions that occurred in 75% of patients. The authors believe the myectomy procedure is a safe, effective, predictable therapy for those HFS patients unwilling to risk a neurosurgical operation, and allows simultaneous reconstruction of associated eyelid and eyebrow deformities.