Intractable hemifacial spasm treated by pulsed radiofrequency treatment

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....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Korean journal of pain 2013, 26(1), , pp.62-64
Main Authors: Park, Hae Lang, Lim, Seung Mo, Kim, Tae Hwa, Kang, Kyung Ho, Kang, Hyun, Jung, Yong Hun, Baek, Chong Wha, Woo, Young Cheol, Kim, Jin Yun, Koo, Gill Hoi, Shin, Hwa Yong
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Case Report
마취과학
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Summary: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 42℃ 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.
ISSN:2005-9159
2093-0569
DOI:10.3344/kjp.2013.26.1.62