Hemifacial Spasm in Mettapracharak Hospital
Sunisa Sintuwong, M.D.
*Mettapracharak Hospital

ABSTRACT : Introduction : The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics and results of the treatment of Hemifacial Spasm (HFS) in Mettapracharak Hospital
Materials and Methods : A retrospective study of 32 consecutive patients with HFS in our Botulinum Toxin Clinic over a 16 -month period was undertaken.
Results : 7 men and 25 women were reviewed. Their mean ages at onset of HFS was 58.8 years (range 26-82 years). The median disease duration before treatment was 12 months (range 3 to 240 months). Left-sided was common in 53.1% of patients, and orbicularis muscle was the first muscle to be affected in 93.3% of them. The mean Jankovic disability rating scale score was 2.87. There were 1.3 injection sessions (range 2-10 sessions). Total doses of 10-40 U of Botulinum Toxin were administered. The mean latency and duration of therapeutic effects evaluate by the patients were about 1 week (range 3-30 days) and 13.4 weeks (range 8-24 weeks) respectively. The mean post treatment spasm level (modified TWSTRS response scale) was 3.84. No general side effects were noted. Ptosis was found in 1 case (3.1%) and it was subsided in 3 weeks. Mild ipsilateral upper lip droop was found in 3 case (9.4%) and it was subsided within 1 day.
Conclusions : Botulinum toxin injection is an effective treatment for hemifacial spasm and has a low complication rate.

Thai J Ophthalmol 2004 : January-March 18(1) ; 87-91.