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. 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.
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea.
Hae Lang
HL
Park
Seung Mo
SM
Lim
Tae Hwa
TH
Kim
Kyung Ho
KH
Kang
Hyun
H
Kang
Yong Hun
YH
Jung
Chong Wha
CW
Baek
Young Cheol
YC
Woo
Jin Yun
JY
Kim
Gill Hoi
GH
Koo
Hwa Yong
HY
Shin
facial nerve; hemifacial spasm; pulsed radiofrequency treatment