Many a patient’s relative asks me if it is necessary to treat hemifacial spasms. While I appreciate that he/ she loves their wife/ husband/ son/daughter /relative/ friend irrespective of the fact that they have facial spasms, one must understand the patient’s misery.

Hemifacial spasms are not just cosmetic

Initially, the spasms may begin as small and infrequent twitches  around the eye. Over a period of time these twitches progress to obvious muscle contractions involving the entire ye, cheek, nose, chin and neck. This not only results in facial asymmetry, but also some disfiguring appearance, albeit episodically. This leads to embarrassment, depression, social avoidance, loneliness and in certain cases occupational hazards as well. Daily activities like reading, writing, using devices like mobile phone or computer, watching Television may quickly get affected. Occasionally, there may be hearing problems like tinnitus, clicks in the ear etc that may negatively influence the patient’s emotions.

Besides, hemifacial spasms by themselves cause facial palsy that is underlying and obvious only to the trained eye.

Spasms also may cause facial tiredness and to some extent muscle aches due to constant spasms, though facial pain is not associated with it per se.

Hemifacial spasms must be treated

I therefore urge patients and their well-wishers to consider exploring options and getting counseled by experts (not inexperienced people) regarding the pros and cons of surgery. MVD surgery is the only possibly permanent  treatment. Please watch our channel on YouTube to know more.