Surgical Outcome of Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm: Symptom Control and Quality of Life

Abstract

Introduction Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is characterized by a segmental myoclonus of the face muscles innervated by the ipsilateral facial nerve. The accepted pathophysiology of HFS suggests that it is a disease process of the nerve root entry zone associated with any neuro-vascular conflict. Aim Review the surgical results and outcome regarding spasm control, post-operative quality of life and morbidity of microvascular decompression (MVD) for HFS from a Brazilian neurosurgical team. Method An observational investigation was conducted with data collection from patients with hemifacial spasm treated with MVD from January 2000 to December 2015 in two different centers in the West of São Paulo State, Brazil. Results A total of 152 patients underwent MVD for the treatment of HFS, ninety-eight (64.5%) female. Eighty-seven (57.2%) patients presented right-side spasms. The most common offending vessel was the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) with 78 (51.3%) patients. According to clinical presentation, an amount of 144 (94.7%) patients presented total control of symptoms after 36 months of follow-up. Regarding quality of life, a total of 125 (82.2%) patients referred normal quality of life after MVD for HFS and 121 (96.8%) from then were able to return to work or previous occupation. Permanent facial paresis / palsy was observed in 6 (3.6%) patients. There was no surgical mortality. Conclusion MVD for the treatment of HFS is a safe and efficacious surgical procedure to control spasm. Neurosurgeons experience, adequate patient selection and good anatomical knowledge are fundamental to success of the treatment.