Hemifacial spasm Botox, assessed within the Neurology Department of MediHeart Medical Center in Morphou, aims to ease involuntary contractions on one side of the face.
What Is Hemifacial Spasm?
Hemifacial spasm causes involuntary, repeated contractions of the muscles supplied by the facial nerve on only one side of the face. It often starts as twitching around the eye and may spread to the cheek and corner of the mouth.
Contractions can worsen with stress, tiredness or talking and may continue during sleep. They can affect vision, cause discomfort in social situations and reduce quality of life.
Causes
In many patients, a blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve where it leaves the brainstem is identified as the cause. Less commonly, a tumour, vascular anomaly or previous facial palsy may be responsible, so a detailed neurological examination is carried out and brain MRI may be planned.
How Does Botox Help?
Small doses of botulinum toxin are injected into the affected facial muscles, temporarily reducing nerve signals and easing the frequency and intensity of spasms. Medical sources describe botulinum toxin as the treatment of choice for hemifacial spasm.
How Is It Done?
- The muscles most involved are identified on examination
- Small amounts are injected with fine needles around the eye, cheek and mouth
- The procedure is quick and needs no anaesthesia
- You can return to daily life afterwards
Dose and points are planned to preserve facial symmetry and adjusted according to response.
When Does It Work and How Long Does It Last?
The effect usually begins within a few days and lasts several months in most patients. Treatment can be repeated as it wears off, at intervals set by your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
- Minor bruising
- Temporary eyelid drooping
- Temporary facial asymmetry or weakness
- Dry or watery eye
These usually settle on their own. Contact your doctor if any unexpected symptom develops.
Other Treatment Options
Medication may be tried in some mild cases. Where vascular compression is shown, a surgical procedure called microvascular decompression may be an option, in coordination with our Neurosurgery department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every eye twitch hemifacial spasm?
No. Brief eyelid twitching linked to tiredness, stress or caffeine is common and usually settles. Persistent contractions spreading across one side of the face should be assessed.
Does Botox cure hemifacial spasm permanently?
No. The effect is temporary and does not remove the cause, so treatment is repeated.
Will it affect my facial expression?
Treatment is planned to maintain symmetry. Some patients have mild, temporary asymmetry that usually resolves.
Conclusion
Hemifacial spasm Botox is the most commonly used, quick and generally well-tolerated treatment for involuntary contractions on one side of the face. At MediHeart Medical Center, it is planned individually after a neurological assessment. Patients from Morphou and across North Cyprus can contact us for appointments.