How many people have hemifacial spasms?

How many people have hemifacial spasms?

Hemifacial spasm is rare, affecting only 8 people in 100,000 in the US. The average age of onset is 44 years and occurs slightly more in women.

Is hemifacial spasm rare?

Facial pain syndromes like trigeminal neuralgia, can also have facial spasms or tics, but pain is the predominant symptom. Affecting women more than men, hemifacial spasm is quite a rare medical condition, affecting approximately 8 in 100,000 people in the United States, and often presenting during middle age.

What does it mean when you have hemifacial spasm in your face?

Hemifacial spasm is characterised by involuntary jerks of the facial muscles on one side of the face; it’s responsible for a closure of the eye on one side, and of twitches of the cheek and around the mouth, giving the appearance of winking.

How is an electromyogram used to diagnose hemifacial spasm?

Electromyogram (EMG)– This test helps to study the activity of the facial muscles, when the muscles is at rest and when it is promoted. It can help to identify hemifacial convulsion. When the facial nerve is promoted, it can show pertinent changes and contractions in the facial muscles and the same are tape-recorded.

What can cause a hemifacial convulsion in the face?

Causes of Hemifacial Convulsion 1 Facial Nerve Injury can Cause Hemifacial Spasm. Facial nerve exits the skull deep behind the ear area, where it bifurcates into its facial branches. 2 Hemifacial Spasm Can be Caused Due to Nerve Compression from Artery. 3 Bell’s Palsy– A Cause of Hemifacial Spasm. 4 Tumor Can Cause Hemifacial Spasm. …

How is botox used to treat hemifacial spasm?

Treatment of Hemifacial spasm. The first line treatment is Botox injections into the facial muscles which are twitching. It is a very efficient treatment, which requires being repeated every 4 months. The Botox injection will control easily the eye closure.