Child-onset Hemifacial Spasm-a case report

Abstract

BackgroundHemifacial spasm (HFS) is a common cranial nerve disease, with peak onset in the forty to sixty years old and child-onset HFS is rare. HFS brings many negative effects on the physical and mental health of patients. Here, we report a 10-year-old case of primary HFS patient.Case PresentationHere we report an 11-year-old HFS case last for more than 1 year. An 11-year-old girl complained of frequently involuntary twitch in lower eyelid as the girl was 10 years old, then symptom worsen gradually involved right upper lip in recently months. The girl’s daily life was badly influenced. Brain magnetic resonance imaging indicated that AICA compressed right facial nerve. The patient was treated with carbamazepine 200mg per day, and symptom gradually relieve. But bad treatment compliance appeared, and we introduced the advantages and disadvantages of botulinum toxin and MVD to her parents. However, considering the young age, above mentioned options are not considered for the time being. And more observations of medications treatment were needed to guide further treatment.ConclusionChild-onset hemifacial spasm is rare and the case we report is one of the youngest known cases of such disease. For such patients, medication is the first choice, but the exact mechanisms remain to be further explored.