title: [Facial tics and spasms].
abstract: Facial tics and spasms are socially incapacitating, but effective treatment is often available. The clinical picture is sufficient for distinguishing between the different diseases that cause this affliction.We describe three cases of patients with facial tics or spasms: one case of tics, which are familiar to many physicians; one case of blepharospasms; and one case of hemifacial spasms. We discuss the differential diagnosis and the treatment possibilities for facial tics and spasms. Early diagnosis and treatment is important, because of the associated social incapacitation. Botulin toxin should be considered as a treatment option for facial tics and a curative neurosurgical intervention should be considered for hemifacial spasms.
authors.affiliation: Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen.
authors.forename: Adriaan R E
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Potgieser
authors.forename: J Marc C
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: van Dijk
authors.forename: Jan Willem  J
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Elting
authors.forename: Marina A J
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: de Koning-Tijssen
mesh_terms: D001764:Blepharospasm / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005155:Facial Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D019569:Hemifacial Spasm / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D061145:Microvascular Decompression Surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D020323:Tics / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001905:Botulinum Toxins