Hemifacial Spasm – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Hemifacial spasm is a neurological condition causing involuntary muscle twitching on one side of the face. This condition typically occurs when a blood vessel makes contact with or pulsates against the facial nerve.
Other possible causes include facial nerve injuries or tumors. In some cases, doctors cannot identify a specific cause for the condition.
Symptoms
Hemifacial spasm typically causes involuntary muscle jerking in the face with these key features:
- Affects only one side of the face
- Cannot be controlled willingly
- Occurs without pain
The muscle contractions usually begin around the eyelid. Over time, they may spread to the cheeks and mouth on the same side of the face.
In early stages, these spasms come and go. However, as the condition progresses over months or years, the twitching becomes nearly constant.
In rare cases, hemifacial spasms affect both sides of the face. When this happens, the twitching doesn’t occur simultaneously on both sides.
Causes
The most common cause of hemifacial spasm is a blood vessel pressing against the facial nerve. This condition may also develop due to facial nerve injury or a tumor. In some cases, doctors cannot identify the exact cause.
Several factors can trigger hemifacial spasm episodes:
- Facial muscle movement
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Fatigue
These triggers don’t cause the condition itself but may worsen symptoms or bring on episodes in people who already have the underlying condition.
The facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) controls the muscles that allow us to make facial expressions. When something interferes with this nerve’s normal function, it can lead to the involuntary muscle contractions characteristic of hemifacial spasm.
Medical experts continue to study this condition to better understand its causes and improve treatment options for patients experiencing these disruptive symptoms.
