Introduction
The muscles on our face and eyelid are normally under our voluntary control. Facial spasm is a neurological disorder in which these muscles function abnormally and are no longer under the direct control of the brain it can affect either one small area of the face or the entire face including the neck.
Types of Spasm
Four distinct forms of facial
spasm are known:
Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB) is caused by an uncontrolled nerve signal
in the brain that stimulates the eyelid muscles. Constant involuntary blinking
and squeezing of the eyelids causes visual interruptions in the patient’s day
to day activities. Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is commonly caused by an irritation
of facial nerve on one side, leading to involuntary spasms on one half of the
face. Meige syndrome involves spasms over the entire face. Myokimia is a more
localized form of spasm, that typically involves a single eyelid or periocular
area. Botunlinum toxin injection (BOTOX) into the eyelid muscles can
significantly reduce the muscle spasm that causes contraction or twitching of
the eyelids.
Injection procedure
Injection procedure is performed as an out patient procedure, and takes 10
minutes. Application of local anesthesia cream an hour before the procedure
makes it almost painless. The effect takes 7-10 days, and can last for 3-4
months.
Note
Botulinum toxin only controls the spasm, and does not treat it. Therefore,
repeated injections are required for continued effect. Some patients may be
non-responsive to Botox, and would need surgical correction of spasm.
When used for treating spasms, Botulinum toxin is covered by medical
insurance.
