Treatment for Hemifacial Spasm in LA
Hemifacial spasm refers to a condition in which one side of the facial muscles contract in twitches or tics. These twitches cannot be controlled and might even continue during sleep.
Hemifacial spasm isn’t considered a health hazard nor is it painful. However, advance cases tend to be uncomfortable, frustrating, and can even limit eye function. Both women and men develop hemifacial spasms but studies have revealed middle-aged women to be more vulnerable than men.
Certain cases involve patients having an abnormality or an underlying condition in the facial structure that damages the nerves and causes the facial muscles to twitch.
Initial symptoms include involuntary twitching on one side of the face. These spasms can even reach a point where they force the eyes shut or to start tearing up. Ignoring the problem cause the spasm to increase in severity and affect other facial muscles. Twitches can also affect the mouth muscles and pull it to one side.
Diagnosis involves going through the patient’s medical history and observing the severity of the twitches. Doctors then proceed to carry out medical imaging tests to find out what’s disturbing the facial nerve.
Researchers have yet to find a way of preventing the onset of hemifacial spasms. Anxiety, fatigue, and stress are known to worsen the condition.
Dr.Farzin Pedouim is a board certified neurologist based in Huntington Beach and Los Angeles. He utilizes effective methods of treatment involving Botox shots that prove effective in around 85-95% of all cases.