Microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm in patients >65 years of age: An analysis of outcomes and complications

• Published in: Muscle & nerve 2013-11, Vol.48 (5), p.770-776
• Main Authors: Sekula, Raymond F., Frederickson, Andrew M., Arnone, Gregory D., Quigley, Matthew R., Hallett, Mark
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; botulinum toxin; cranial nerve; Cranial Nerve Injuries - etiology; Cranial Nerve Injuries - physiopathology; elderly; Female; Follow-Up Studies; hemifacial spasm; Hemifacial Spasm - physiopathology; Hemifacial Spasm - surgery; Humans; Male; Medical treatment; microvascular decompression; Microvascular Decompression Surgery - adverse effects; Microvascular Decompression Surgery - standards; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications - etiology; Postoperative Complications - physiopathology; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0148-639X; 1097-4598
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.23800

ABSTRACT Introduction Few data are available to quantify the risks and benefits of microvascular decompression (MVD) in elderly patients with hemifacial spasm. Methods Twenty‐seven patients >65 years of age and 104 younger patients who underwent MVD for hemifacial spasm (HFS) over a 3‐year period were analyzed retrospectively and compared. Results Twenty‐six (96.3%) elderly patients and 93 of 104 (89.4%) young patients reported a spasm‐free status at a mean follow‐up of 26.5 months after MVD. No significant difference in spasm‐free status was noted. Cranial nerve complications and other major complications were compared, with no significant differences observed. Conclusions Although this study does not offer definitive inclusion or exclusion criteria or clearly establish the safety of MVD for HFS in the elderly, our experience suggests that many elderly patients with HFS can undergo MVD safely, with outcomes and risk profiles similar to those of younger patients. Muscle Nerve 48:770–776, 2013