Korean J Pain.  2013 Jan;26(1):62-64. 10.3344/kjp.2013.26.1.62.

Intractable Hemifacial Spasm Treated by Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment

• Park HL
• Lim SM
• Kim TH
• Kang KH
• Kang H
• Jung YH
• Baek CW
• Woo YC
• Kim JY
• Koo GH
• Shin HY

• KMID: 1779026
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2013.26.1.62

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.

Keyword

facial nerve; hemifacial spasm; pulsed radiofrequency treatment

MeSH Terms

Botulinum Toxins
Facial Nerve
Female
Hemifacial Spasm
Humans
Microvascular Decompression Surgery
Muscles
Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment
Botulinum Toxins

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Final position of the local anesthetic block needle under fluoroscopic guidance. The needle was positioned around the stylomastoid foramen. (A) Anteroposterior view. (B) Lateral view.

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