Hemifacial Spasm in Valencia & Encino

Hemifacial spasms can disrupt daily life with involuntary muscle contractions on one side of your face. At California Neurosurgical Institute, our expert team offers personalized care and advanced treatment options to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

A Chronic Neurological Condition

Hemifacial spasm is a chronic neurological condition that causes involuntary muscle contractions on one side of the face. These spasms can start subtly, often around the eye, and may gradually spread to other parts of the face, impacting your smile, speech, and overall expression. While these spasms are not life-threatening, they can be distressing and significantly affect your quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Hemifacial Spasm

Hemifacial spasm typically present with:

Involuntary Twitching: Usually beginning around the eye, these spasms can spread to the lower face, affecting muscles around the mouth.
Progression Over Time: Spasms may start mildly and increase in frequency and intensity, becoming more noticeable and persistent.
Impact on Daily Life: From difficulties with vision due to frequent eye closure to challenges with speaking or eating, the symptoms can affect many aspects of your daily routine.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, know that you’re not alone. California Neurosurgical Institute is dedicated to helping patients like you manage and treat hemifacial spasm effectively.

Precision Diagnosis

Getting a precise diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. At California Neurosurgical Institute, our experienced neurosurgeons will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include:

Clinical Examination: We will thoroughly assess your physical symptoms.
Detailed Documentation: You’ll be asked for a complete medical history to assist in your diagnosis.
Imaging Tests: MRI or other imaging techniques can help identify any underlying causes, such as blood vessel compression of the facial nerve.

Tailored Treatment Options at California Neurosurgical Institute

Hemifacial spasm can be effectively managed with a range of treatments. At California Neurosurgical Institute, we coordinate with local neurologists to offer both non-surgical and surgical options tailored to your specific needs:

BOTOX Injections: One of the most common and effective treatments, BOTOX can provide temporary relief by relaxing the affected muscles and reducing spasms.
Medication: Certain medications may help control the symptoms.
Microvascular Decompression (MVD): This surgical procedure is designed to relieve the pressure from blood vessels compressing the facial nerve, which is often the root cause of hemifacial spasm. MVD is highly effective and can significantly reduce or prevent spasms.

Recovery Expectancies

The recovery time varies depending on the treatment. After Botox injections, patients return to normal activities immediately with minimal downtime. The effects of Botox take about 3 to 7 days to become noticeable, with relief lasting for 3 to 4 months before a follow-up treatment is needed. For MVD, a surgical procedure, recovery is more prolonged. Patients usually stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days, with full recovery taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, patients gradually return to regular activities while experiencing improvements in facial spasms. MVD provides long-term relief by addressing the underlying cause of the spasm, but it involves more recovery time than BOTOX.

California Neurosurgical Institute We’re On Your Team

Choosing the right care team can make all the difference in managing hemifacial spasm. At California Neurosurgical Institute, we’re always on your team. We are not just experts in neurosurgery; we are also compassionate about what we do and understand the daily challenges that come with this condition. We will work together with you to find the most effective treatment plan to help you reclaim