Retrospective analysis of cases of hemifacial spasm: a tertiary care hospital study

Author: 
Dr. Amit Raj, Dr. Jyoti Deswal, Dr. Upasna Sinha and Dr.Sudesh Kumar Arya

Purpose: To study epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with hemifacial spasm who reported to our oculoplasty clinic over a period of seven years and to find association of dry eye disease with these patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis of epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with hemifacial spasm who reported to oculoplasty clinic of a tertiary eye care centre in North India between January 2011 and December 2017 was carried out.Dry eye, as well as any other local factor that can mimic hemifacial spasm, were ruled out. Systemic evaluation was done to rule out any neurological disorder. A detailed history was taken to rule out any associated psychiatric disorders as well as use of any medication which could be responsible for dystonic movements. Each patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain for any facial nerve compression or tumor involving posterior fossa. Botulinum type A injections were given after assessing their requirements on the basis of guidelines given out by Jankovic et al .Results: 24 patients were reported to have hemifacialspasm with the mean age of 51.29 years. Dry eye disease was found in 12 (50%) patients. 13 (54.16%) patients needed Inj Botulinum and improvement in symptoms as well as in disability score was seen in all these patients. Conclusion: Dry eye disease should be evaluated in all cases of hemifacial spasm and should be appropriately treated along with definitive treatment of spasms with botulinum toxin A.

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DOI: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijcar.2020.21226.4165
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