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Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry logoLink to Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
. 1996 Jan;60(1):72–77. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.60.1.72

Hemifacial spasm: a prospective long-term follow up of 83 cases treated by microvascular decompression at two neurosurgical centres in the United Kingdom.

R D Illingworth 1, D G Porter 1, J Jakubowski 1
PMCID: PMC486193  PMID: 8558156

Abstract

OBJECTIVE--To evaluate the use of microvascular decompression (MVD) for the treatment of hemifacial spasm (HFS). METHODS--Eighty three patients with HFS who underwent MVD via a suboccipital craniectomy are presented. RESULTS--Seventy two out of seventy eight patients available for follow up remained free of any spasms at a mean follow up period of eight years. Two patients continued to have minor intermittent muscle twitches and three had recurrence of HFS. One patient's operation was not completed. Twenty had a transient complication and eight were left with permanent postoperative deficits, the commonest being unilateral sensorineural deafness. Seventy one patients declared themselves satisfied with the procedure. A causative vessel was found on the root exit zone of the seventh cranial nerve in 81 patients. CONCLUSION--The procedure seems to provide lasting relief for most patients. The correct operative technique is essential if complications are to be avoided.

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Selected References

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