Hemifacial spasm in a patient with neurofibromatosis and Arnold-Chiari malformation: a unique case association.
BACKGROUND
The association of hemifacial spasm (HFS), Chiari type I malformation (CIM) and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has not been described yet.


METHODS
We report the case of a 31-year-old woman with NF1 who developed a right-sided HFS. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) a CIM was seen without syringomyelia. The patient has been successfully treated with botulinum toxin type A injections for 5 years without major side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical features of HFS, CMI and NF1 are highlighted together with their possible relationship. Also, therapeutic strategies are also discussed.
Felício
Andre Carvalho
AC
Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Avenida Bosque da Saúde 834/193, 04142-081 São Paulo, SP, Brazil. cf.andre@terra.com.br
Godeiro-Junior
Clecio de Oliveira
Cde O
Borges
Vanderci
V
Silva
Sonia Maria de Azevedo
SM
Ferraz
Henrique Ballalai
HB
D000328:Adult; D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000150:complications*; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D019569:Hemifacial Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D017253:Neurofibromatoses / Q000150:complications*
D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A