Retrospective Study of Facial Nerve Block for Facial Spasm

Kim, Chan; Yang, Seung Kon; Lee, Hyo Keun; Lee, Hee Jeon; Oh, Ji Hyun; Noh, Won Hwan; Kim, Seung Hee

Abstract

Hemifacial spasm commonly occurs in muscles about the eye, but may also involve or spread to the entire side of the face. One hundred and seventy eight patients with hemifacial spasm visited our Neuro-Pain clinic from January 1992 to April 1996. There were l2l female and 57 male patients, a 2.1: I ratio respectively. Largest percentages of patients were in the 50 year old range. Among them, 96 patients were treated by facial nerve block or OBrien block. In most cases, induced facial palsy disappeared within one or two months. Among the 96 patients who received nerve block, 46 patients received a second block within 5 to 25 months. The average interval from first and second nerve block was 11.5 months. After nerve block, all patients were free from spasm for 1 to 2l months. We conclude that facial nerve block is a satisfactory and reliable method for the treatment of facial spasm.