Intractable Hemifacial Spasm Treated by Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment.
- Author:
Hae Lang PARK
1
;
Seung Mo LIM
;
Tae Hwa KIM
;
Kyung Ho KANG
;
Hyun KANG
;
Yong Hun JUNG
;
Chong Wha BAEK
;
Young Cheol WOO
;
Jin Yun KIM
;
Gill Hoi KOO
;
Hwa Yong SHIN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: facial nerve; hemifacial spasm; pulsed radiofrequency treatment
- MeSH: Botulinum Toxins; Facial Nerve; Female; Hemifacial Spasm; Humans; Microvascular Decompression Surgery; Muscles; Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment
- From:The Korean Journal of Pain 2013;26(1):62-64
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Hemifacial spasm is defined as unilateral, involuntary, irregular twitching of all or parts of the muscles innervated by facial nerves. Here, we present a case of recurrent hemifacial spasm after microvascular decompression (MVD) treated with pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment with good results. A 35-year-old woman suffered from recurrent hemifacial spasm after MVD that was refractory to medical treatment and botulinum toxin injections. We attempted a left facial nerve block twice. Then, we applied PRF at a maximum temperature of 42degrees C for 120 sec. Some response was observed, so we applied PRF two additional times. The frequency of twitch decreased from 3-4 Hz to < 0.5 Hz, and subjective severity on a visual analogue scale also decreased from 10/10 to 2-3/10. PRF treatment might be an effective medical treatment for refractory hemifacial spasm and has fewer complications and is less invasive compared with those of surgery.
