How are hemifacial spasms caused
December 12, 2008
Hemifacial spasms are caused by neuromuscular irregularities. Involuntary muscle contractions that happen in the face result in hemifacial spasms. It can happen either in one side of the face or in both sides. The earliest symptom of this disorder is an intermittent tic of the eyelid muscle. Gradually, the eye muscles get severely affected and might even result in the complete closure of the eye. In extreme cases, the entire muscles of the affected side get damaged.
Hemifacial spasms are usually found in middle-aged and older people. Compared to men, hemifacial spasms are more common in women. Left-sided spasms are found to be slightly more common than right- sided spasms. It is estimated in the medical circles that eight out of every one-lakh men and fifteen out of one lakh women are affected with hemifacial spasms.
If a person who is less forty suffers from an instance of severe hemifacial spasm, it is generally considered as a pointer towards some serious neurological disorder. Hemifacial spasms can be an initial symptom of multiple sclerosis.
Apart from neurological irregularities, hemifacial spasms may also be caused as an after effect of some injury to the seventh cranial. A blood vessel or a tumour that exerts abnormal pressure on a facial nerve can also lead to this disorder.
Physicians suggest a complete neurological exam, if a patient approaches them with irregular eyelid movements. If hemifacial spasm is suspected, an electromyogram will be done. An electromyogram, that approximately takes two hours, effectively diagnose muscle problems caused by nerve irregularities. In this case, a small needle will be inserted into each muscle that needs to be examined.
If an artery that presses hard on the facial nerve causes the irregularity, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CAT scan), or angiographies will not be able to detect the cause. If a tumour or lesion is behind the trouble, these methods will give a clearer picture.
St.Botanica Cosmetics
Recent Articles
Follow acupressure to get rid of pain
What do you do when you suffer from pains and aches in your body? You might go to a doctor for an injection or you might take some painkillers or apply some pain balm or spray
What your tongue tells about your health
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. This may sound metaphorical and you may have come across such sayings on tongue
How to tackle wisdom teeth problems
Wisdom teeth usually appear when you are 17-25 years old. These are the last set of teeth to appear. Sometimes people older than 30 years develop wisdom teeth
What causes teeth discoloration
Teeth discoloration is quite evident in humans. On discoloration teeth becomes yellow, pale, discolored and even stained. There are many factors that affect tooth discoloration
How to tackle bad breath
How often have you felt that people step back from you when you talk to them or somebody commented on your bad breath? If you have felt so, you are suffering from bad breath (halitosis)
